“No, sir.”
Nick eyed her more sharply.
“Do you mean that she is not here, or not seeing callers?” he inquired pleasantly.
“Well, sir, she[Pg 27]——”
The girl faltered, blushing confusedly, and Nick added kindly:
“I understand. Take my card to her, please, and say that it is very important that I should see her. I think she will consent.”
The girl obeyed, returning in a very few moments.
“Walk in, sir,” she then said, smiling again. “Mrs. Clayton will see you in the library. This way, sir.”
Nick was ushered into the attractively furnished room, where he found Mrs. Julia Clayton still gazing gravely at the card he had sent in. There was something irresistibly impressive about her, a mingling of dignity and secret sadness that the detective’s sensitive nature was quick to appreciate, even while conscious of her remarkable beauty and womanly grace.
She arose immediately to greet him, extending her hand and saying: