Looking up, and giving the detective a bright glance, Barnes said:
“After a great deal of hard persuasion, I have induced Miss Doane, as I have known her, to remain. She is very much afraid she is not doing right.”
Smiling, the detective rejoined, aloud:
“She is doing perfectly right. So far as I am concerned, I am pleased to see her remain here.”
Under his breath, he added:
“It’s the truth I utter when I say I am glad to see her remain here, for I want to know exactly where to find her should I want to put my hand on her.”
The girl’s face brightened as she listened to the words uttered by the detective. She at once left her seat, and coming forward, laid one hand on his arm, looked up into his face, and said:
“I am glad to hear you commend my doing so, after hearing me say that I would not do this very thing, as indeed I would not had not I met Mr. Barnes so unexpectedly.”
“You should not be surprised that anyone commended a resolution to stand up for your rights. As you are aware, I suggested the same thing to Mr. Barnes.”
“Yes, I remember.”