“You should certainly pursue your investigations further,” said Uncle Peabody. “After having discovered psychological subjects in a man and a woman perfectly adapted to each other, it would be a pity not to continue your researches that their perfections might be recorded for the benefit of others less fortunate.”
“Have you no idea who they were?” asked Emory.
“Not the slightest. I might have found out, as my friend, whom I went to see, must know them; but I was aghast when I discovered the hour, and ran away without so much as leaving my name.”
“Where did all this happen?” asked Helen.
“At the Laurenziana,” replied Tesso. “I went to call on my old friend Cerini.” The professor laughed guiltily. “I hope he never learns the reason why I failed to keep my appointment!”
Helen placed her cup abruptly upon the table and stared stonily at Tesso. Uncle Peabody and Emory glanced quickly at each other in absolute helplessness. The professor, however, failed to notice the effect of his words upon his auditors; he was too much amused by the mental picture of Cerini waiting for him while he, only a few feet away from the librarian’s study, was gratifying his love for the romantic.
“May I join you?” cried a voice behind Helen, as Inez Thayer approached unnoticed in the dim light. “Mr. Armstrong went down to the station to send a cable, so I came back alone.”
“Inez—Miss Thayer, let me present Professor Tesso,” said Helen, mechanically.
The professor held out his hand and stepped toward her. As the features of her face became clear a great joy overwhelmed him.
“My heroine!” he cried, turning to the others. “This is the heroine of my story! Now, my dear Mr. Cartwright, I can record these perfections for the benefit of others less fortunate!”