He paused just inside the door, and with a curt nod, recognized her.
“To what reason am I to ascribe your presence in my house, madam?� he asked coldly, and he remained near the door to indicate that the interview must be brief.
“I have come here to ask you if it is your purpose to continue to persecute me,� she replied, rising and facing him with just a trace of defiance in her expression and manner, although she did not forget to use her wonderful eyes upon the detective, with all the resourceful power within her.
Mixed with the defiance that was in them was also a wistful, pleading expression, and she permitted the suggestion of a tear to moisten the lashes of each of them while her beautiful face was pathetic as well as pleading.
But Nick Carter “was on to her curves,� as the saying is, and her attitude had no effect upon him other than to convince him more strongly than ever that he must constantly be on his guard against this siren. He replied:
“Persecute you, madam?�
“That is the expression I made use of.�
“I was not aware that I had done so. I can assure you that my utmost wish concerning you is that I may never see you or hear your name mentioned again.�
“You still believe me guilty, Mr. Carter?�
“I have never for one moment doubted your guilt,� he replied.