A silence that was painful settled upon them.
Leonie could not exactly comprehend the situation, but she could see that Miss Chandler was not anxious to have the man know the secret that she was endeavoring to conceal, and Evelyn was striving to determine how much he had heard of the conversation that had taken place up-stairs.
Leonie had determined that she would tell him the truth, as he appeared a gentleman; and seeming to read something of her determination, Evelyn Chandler forced herself to speak.
"How came you here at this hour, Mr. Kingsley?" she asked coldly.
Leonie started perceptibly. The name told her all that Evelyn wished her to know.
"I might put the same question to you with effect, Miss Chandler," he returned.
"I came by the desire of Ben Mauprat, as you know. A man whose wife I have befriended more than once. My presence here is therefore not to be questioned; but yours seems singularly like unwarranted interference."
"Your words are curious, coming to one who entered to protect what he believed to be a woman in distress. May I inquire who this boy is? And why there seemed to be a quarrel—if not a fight—going on between you? My dear Miss Chandler, a young lady in society may have the right to go from one reception to another between three and four o'clock in the morning, but they are not so charitably inclined that they make disinterested visits at this hour. I confess that my curiosity is aroused. Where is the wife of Ben Mauprat? Who is this boy? Why are you here? And why was he endeavoring to escape you? I readily acknowledge that I may not have the right to ask you these questions, but situated as we are, I not only do ask them, but I demand that you answer."
"And if I refuse——"
"Then I shall take the trouble to discover for myself."