Oscar fixed his gaze on the fair girl between whom and Girard the nod of recognition had passed, and as he stood there in the theater he revolved in his mind the singular facts. He wondered how a man of Girard's polished exterior should have been chosen to act the spy on a common confederate rogue.
Later he was destined to learn why Girard had been selected.
When the curtain went down on the last act Girard said:
"Thatford, you will have to excuse me to-night. I see a lady friend here. I may receive an invitation to dine with the party she accompanies."
"I won't excuse you," said Thatford.
"Our friend here will keep you company."
"Where will you go?"
"To the Brunswick."
"I may join you later."