She got to her feet in spite of his restraining hand, startled and unnerved.
"Oh, I must not be seen here. Is there no other way?"
"No; be still for a moment; step back there in the shadow, and let me go in alone."
He stepped forward, his grasp already on the curtain, when a woman's voice spoke within:
"Yes, that was what I meant; he does not know you—yet. But you must keep away."
CHAPTER XXI
MOLLY DISAPPEARS
The speaker was Mrs. Dupont, but Hamlin's one thought was to prevent any discovery of Miss McDonald. Without an instant's hesitation he drew aside the curtain, and stepped into the room.
"Pardon me," he said quietly, as the two started back at his rather abrupt entrance, "but I did not care to overhear your conversation. No doubt it was intended to be private."