"He requested me to say that Liz and Leonie Cuyler were at his house alone, and that he was afraid that something would happen to them."
Again the lovely face grew ghastly, but that never-failing control was exerted successfully, and Miss Chandler laughed outright.
"I suppose he wants me to go there to see that nothing shall befall them, and that, too, after he has tried to take the life of poor Liz. Is that not like one of those men? It was so kind of you, Mr. Kingsley, to take all this trouble. I am very much obliged to you. It must really be dreadful for those two poor women to be in that house alone under the fearful circumstances."
"It is nothing for me, I assure you. On the contrary, I shall be but too happy if you will make any further use of me that you desire. I see that you are dressed for a reception. If it would be of any service to you, it would give me pleasure to go there in your place and remain during the night if they should require my presence."
"I don't know how to thank you, but I think I shall go myself for a moment and perhaps bring them home. There is really nothing further that you can do, but be assured that what you have done is most thoroughly appreciated. Good-night."
He was so evidently dismissed, that there was not the slightest excuse for his remaining longer, and reluctantly he was compelled to take his leave.
Something in her manner, as she left him, seemed to attract him, for the door had scarcely closed upon him, than he paused with a curious expression upon his face.
"How cleverly she avoided giving me that address!" he muttered. "Why should she have turned so pale over the fact that Ben Mauprat was in trouble? and how is it that a young lady in her sphere would allow a man of Ben's stamp to call upon her so freely? As sure as fate there is something wrong! I should like nothing better than to get that young woman in my power, for I have not seen so pretty, so magnificent a creature in many days.
"At least, it can do no harm to watch, and, my pretty Evelyn, you do not leave that house this evening without my knowing every foot of ground you touch."
With which commendable resolution, Luis Kingsley stationed himself upon the opposite side of the street in the shadow, and took up his vigils.