"Where is Chiquita? Tell me quickly."
"She is at the house. She wants to see you."
"Of course she does. I knew this wasn't any of her doing. I've been hunting everywhere for her."
"At nine o'clock she will be in the Plaza. You know the dark place across from the church?"
"I'll be there."
"If we do not come, wait."
"Certainly. But, Stephanie, tell me what it is all about?"
The black woman shook her head. "She is sick," she said, in a harsh voice, "that is all I know. I have never seen her act so." From her expression Kirk fancied that she held him responsible for her mistress's sufferings.
"Now, don't be angry with me," he made haste to say. "I'm sick, too, and you're the only friend we have. You love her, don't you? Well, so do I. and I'm going to make her happy in spite of her father and all the rest. Run along now, I won't keep you waiting to-night."
Long before the appointed time he was at the place of meeting, but scarcely had the city chimes rung out nine when he saw two women emerge from the dark side-street next the Garavel mansion and come swiftly toward him.