“Yes, Monsieur. She say she good friend of Monsieur. ’Er name ees Miss Ellen Barnes. Er automobile is—vot you call it—stalled in ze snow.”
Alexis nodded briefly. “Very well, Jules. Tell her I will be right down. You may go.”
The little man trotted out hastily.
“Ellen!” Alexis’ expression was murderous. “She has been on our trail ever since you had her to tea with us before I left New York!”
Anne’s hand went to her mouth. “She must not see me!”
Her distress put him on his metal. He laid his arm about her shoulders.
“Don’t be frightened, dear. She won’t discover a thing. Run to your rooms. I will go down and see the comedy through.”
“Yes, yes, I know I can rely upon you.”
He opened the door and she slipped out upon the landing and up the stairs. As she disappeared around the bend, Alexis started downwards.
Accompanied by Gerald Boynton and two strangers, Ellen was waiting in the octagonal hall. They were giggling so hard at the fountain that Alexis had to cough twice before they became aware of his presence. Upon catching sight of him Ellen swept forward gayly.