"I think you'll find these all right now," I said, giving Louie back the papers. "I don't know whether Miss Causton has had supper, Evie?"
Evie smiled graciously. "Yes, won't you have something, Miss Causton? Let me have them lay a tray for you—it will be really no trouble."
But Louie would take nothing. She had drawn down her veil again, and was extending her fingers to Evie. "Don't trouble to come, Mr Jeffries," she said, moving towards the door, while Evie prattled polite phrases.
But I took her to the door. Four words—a "Good-night" on either side—were all that passed between us. Then I returned to the library.
Evie was standing where Louie had been standing, but no sooner did I enter than she passed me. Taking into account the warning of Stillhausen's bell, she must have waited for the purpose of so passing me. But this did not strike me until a little later. Only when she reached the door did she turn and speak.
"Did Miss Causton ask for me?" she said.
"Eh?" I asked, surprised.... "No. Why?"
"Oh, nothing. Only that I thought that when one called one asked for the lady of the house."
I smiled as I set my writing-table to rights. "'Called?' It was hardly a call, my dear."