Before Barnard could reply, the hall door opened and Pauline stepped into the room.
“What’s to pay, father?” she inquired. “I saw you arrive, and overheard the footman tell Joe to come to this room. Is mother ill?”
“No, go back to the drawing-room, Pauline, and hurry Joe in here.”
“He won’t come.” Pauline, scenting excitement, was reluctant to leave.
“Won’t he?” Calhoun-Cooper’s temper was aroused. Stepping past the others, he jerked open the hall door just in time to see Joe dash by. “Stop him!” he commanded. Tom Nichols, who happened to be returning from the smoking-room, instinctively tripped up the running man, and not until he helped him to his feet, did he recognize Joe.
“Go back into that room,” ordered Calhoun-Cooper, and Joe quailed before the look in his eyes. “Come with us, Nichols; no, there’s no use trying to run away again,” as Joe made a sideways motion to duck by them.
Much astounded Tom followed the father and son into the Chinese room. Janet, getting out of the elevator, saw the little procession, and moved by curiosity, also entered the room. Calderon Fordyce glanced vexedly at the increasing group around him, his request that there should be no scene was not to be granted. Calhoun-Cooper was about to speak when Duncan opened the hall door.
“What do you mean by running off and leaving your guests, Janet?” he demanded. “They are saying good-bye, and Marjorie....” he stopped abruptly as his eyes fell on the others. “Go back to the drawing-room, dear,” and he pushed Janet through the door and closed it behind her.
“Tell me the truth, Joe,” commanded Calhoun-Cooper. “Have you taken out a marriage license?”
“Yes,” answered Joe sullenly.