“And did you,” he continued, “tell her the sort of person who brought you the intelligence?”
“No. But I was about to,” answered the girl. “I am forever thinking of that comical little chap.”
“I am glad you did not tell her that,” Nick said.
“She is a particular friend of ours,” remarked the girl, “and I have no secrets from her. Poor thing! she takes papa’s disappearance as hard as any of us. Father he thought a great deal of her.”
“Hum!”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, nothing,” replied Nick. “I was but clearing my throat. I must have swallowed some of the burnt cork when I blackened my face and hands.”
“Please satisfy a woman’s curiosity, and tell me why you wish to overhear our conversation?” the girl asked.
“Not now,” said the detective, “at another time I may. When you go back to the room talk as much as possible about your father.”
Mignon led the way upstairs, and ushered the officer into the back parlor, the doors dividing the parlors being closed.