"And Laffi with her!"
"Quite true—quite true. I say now—you've left your muff in the office. You'll be chilled—nipping keen wind, this. We'd best go inside while we're waiting."
"Yes," agreed the girl. "Come back in, Vievie."
"No, no, dear. I'll come later. I'll wait here with papa."
"Ah, if you prefer," murmured Lord James. "But you, Miss
Dolores—really you should not stand out in this wind."
"Oh, well, if you insist," she acquiesced, with seeming reluctance.
"I do, indeed!" he replied, and he hurried her to the office.
When they entered, he led her to the big drum heating stove in the corner of the room, and went across to the inner door. He opened it, and called a terse order to Ashton's valet. He then closed the door and locked it.
Dolores started to edge toward the outer door. But he was too quick for her. He hastened across and cut off her retreat.
"No, no!" he declared. "You sha'n't run away."