“I’ll try, but it will be difficult, I am afraid,” Anita murmured. “I am not accustomed to––to accepting insults. Ah! if Ramon were only here!”
Wilkes, the butler, appeared at the door just then, with a card, and Anita read it aloud.
“Mr. Mallowe.”
“Oh, gracious, let me go, Miss Lawton!” exclaimed Loretta. “I’ve told you everything that I can think of, and if he sees me, it will spoil Mr. Blaine’s plans, maybe?”
“Yes, he must not find you here!” the detective agreed hurriedly. “I’ll communicate with you at the club if I need you again, Miss Murfree. You have been of great service to both Miss Lawton and myself.”
When they were alone for the moment before the street-railway president appeared, Blaine turned to Anita.
“You will try to be very courageous, and follow whatever lead I give you?” he asked. “This interview may prove trying for you.”
Anita had only time to nod before Mr. Mallowe stood before them. He paused for a moment, glanced inquiringly at Blaine and then advanced to Anita with outstretched 222 hand. If he had ever seen the detective before, he gave no sign.
“My dear child!” he murmured, unctuously. “I trust you are feeling a little stronger this afternoon––a little brighter and more hopeful?”
“Very much more hopeful, thank you, Mr. Mallowe,” returned the young girl, steadily. “I have enlisted in my cause the greatest of all investigators. Allow me to present Mr. Henry Blaine.”