“Take me to her. It is an excellent moment for me to make her acquaintance. Remember, I am a friend from England—Mr. Felix Parsons, in the diplomatic service.”
She saw that they were approaching her, and waited where she was for them to draw near, and Nick saw at a glance that she had eyes only for her brother.
He saw, too, that her smile expanded as they came nearer to her; that a look of pleased surprise came into her eyes as she studied her brother, and he knew that it was because, although he had attended a banquet and been out all the night, he showed never a sign of the effects of it—of the wines he had drank, of the liquors he had imbibed; and then he was presented to her.
“Mercedes,” said Danton, “this is an old friend and a very dear friend—Mr. Parsons. Felix, this is the best, the sweetest and the dearest sister that ever blessed a young scapegrace in this world.”
CHAPTER VII.
THE DETECTIVE’S SEARCH FOR CLUES.
Greetings had scarcely been exchanged when they were interrupted by the appearance of young Danton’s valet, who approached them rapidly across the lawn, and, pausing while still some distance from them, called out in a low tone:
“May I have a word with you, Mr. Reginald?”
Danton swept one lightninglike glance upon Nick, and crossed over to where the valet was waiting.
“What is it, Rogers?” he asked.
“I had occasion to visit your rooms, just now, sir,” said the valet in a low tone, which was inaudible to the others. “Mr. Orizaba is there, sir.”