“I, Uncle?” Diana gasped in astonishment, “what do you mean? I never saw him before.”
“Until I showed him your photograph, Andrews was all that one could ask, but when he saw your picture, he dropped it as suddenly as if he were holding a hot coal, gave a shriek, and skipped out of the office. I had intended to ask him what made him act the way he did, but it passed my mind.”
“I am going to ask him myself.” And Diana started for Andrew’s office.
“Diana,” called her uncle. But that young lady kept on until she had reached Andrews’ room. She knocked twice and receiving no answer, opened the door and walked in. She found Andrews with his head down upon his arms on his desk. Gently touching him on the shoulder she said, “Mr. Andrews!”
Walter started up suddenly. “I beg pardon,” he stammered, “but I did not sleep at all well last night and now I was almost gone. Can I, and may I, be of any assistance to you?” His old manner had returned and he was now the Walter Andrews which his partner had known all his life.
Diana was astonished at the sudden transition which had taken place and it was her turn to be at a loss for something to say.
“Uncle said you had a yacht,” she finally began.
“Yes,” he replied, “will you be ready to go out with me this afternoon?”
“I should be delighted to go.”
They were silent for a moment, then Diana said, “Mr. Andrews, I heard that when you saw my picture you dropped it and gave a scream of terror. May I ask why?”