Part 15 (2/2)

”Yes!” I said.

”I wish to speak to Miss Felicia Delora,” the voice said.

”Who are you?” I asked.

”It does not matter,” was the answer. ”Be so good as to tell her to come to the telephone--Miss Felicia Delora.”

I held the receiver away from me and turned to her.

”Some one wishes to speak to you,” I said.

”Who is it?” she asked.

”The person gave no name,” I answered.

”Did you recognize the voice?” she asked.

I hesitated.

”I was not sure,” I said. ”It was like your uncle's.”

She took the instrument into her hand. What pa.s.sed between her and the person at the other end I had, of course, no means of telling. All I know was that she said, at short intervals,--”Yes! No! Yes! I promise!” Then she laid the instrument down and looked at me.

”The mystery is solved,” she said. ”My uncle has met some friends, and stayed with them for a little time to discuss a matter of business. I am sorry to have been so troublesome to you. My anxieties, of course, are at an end now.”

I bowed, and moved toward the door.

”If there is anything else that I can do--” I said.

”I shall ask you,” she answered, looking at me earnestly. ”I shall, indeed.”

”My number is 128,” I said. ”I am two floors above you. Please do not forget to make use of me if you need a friend.”

”I shall not forget,” she answered softly.

Then, as though moved by a sudden impulse, she held out her hand,--a small white hand with rather long fingers, manicured to a perfection unusual in this country. She wore only one ring, in which was set a magnificent uncut emerald. I held her fingers for a moment, and raised them to my lips.

”I shall be always at your service,” I answered quietly, ”however much--or however little you may care to tell me. Goodnight!”

I went to my rooms and washed. Afterwards I descended and ordered some supper in the cafe.

”Louis is not back yet?” I remarked to the waiter who attended to me.

”Not yet, monsieur,” the man answered. ”We expect him some time to-morrow. Monsieur is also from Paris?”

I nodded, and did not pursue the subject. On my way back to my rooms half an hour later I stopped to speak for a few minutes with the hall-porter.

”Mr. Delora has not arrived yet, sir,” he remarked.

<script>