“Now,” murmured the Princess Naïa, “it will look more like a late automobile party than an ambulance after a free fight—if any early servants are watching us.”
She descended from the car; Ilse Dumont followed, still clasping the cat under her cloak; and Neeland followed her.
“Be very quiet,” whispered the Princess. “There is no necessity for servants to observe what we do––”
A small and tremulous voice from the head of the stairs interrupted her:
“Naïa! Is it you?”
“Hush, Ruhannah! Yes, darling, it is I. Everything is all right and you may go back to bed––”
“Naïa! Where is Mr. Neeland?” continued the voice, fearfully. 408
“He is here, Rue! He is all right. Go back to your room, dear. I have a reason for asking you.”
Listening, she heard a door close above; then she touched Ilse on the shoulder and motioned her to follow up the stairs. Halfway up the Princess halted, bent swiftly over the banisters:
“James!” she called softly.