Part 3 (1/2)
”I'm sorry, Miss.”
”I'm sorry, too, since you have been so kind as to offer your services,” replied the guardian politely.
”I didn't just mean it that way, Miss. I meant about Ja.n.u.s.”
”How so?”
”I don't just like to say. Yes, I will, too. Do you know anything about Jan Grubb?”
”No,” admitted Miss Elting.
”Then you'd better ask. I am afraid you are putting too much confidence in him.”
”Mr. Collins, please be more explicit. What do you mean?”
”You'll find out after you've got out into the hills. He doesn't know any more about the hills than a little yellow dog that's spent all its life in town. He'll get you into all kinds of trouble, and then he'll leave you to get out of it as best you can. You remember what I tell you.”
”Of course, I thank you for telling me,” answered the guardian rather stiffly. ”However, we are quite satisfied with Mr. Grubb. As I understand it, he is a highly respected citizen of Compton and an efficient mountain guide. That will be quite sufficient for us.”
”I need this job. I--I need the money, Miss,” whined the stranger.
”I am satisfied with the arrangements I have already made.” Miss Elting turned to leave the room.
”My family needs it. I've been out of work a long time, and----”
”I am very sorry. I wish it were in my power to a.s.sist you, but I have very little voice in the matter. Another person--the one who is paying the expenses of this trip--attended to all that. You will see that it is quite useless to plead, deep as my sympathy is for you.”
The man rose and eyed her with an expression that was particularly unpleasant to behold. Miss Elting returned her strange visitor's gaze.
Something other than his looks repelled her, yet there was nothing in either manner or words to account for this feeling of repulsion on the part of the guardian.
”In case anything should occur to make it necessary for us to look further for a guide I shall remember you,” she said slowly. ”I suppose I can reach you here at Compton?”
”N--n--no,” was the hesitating answer. ”But if you need me, I'll he about. Mark what I tell you, Jan Grubb is going to get you into a fine mess! You will be sorry you ever engaged him; that's all I've got to say about it. Good night, lady.”
”Good night, Mr. Collins,” replied the woman coldly. His final words, so full of rancor, had destroyed what little sympathy he had aroused in her. Miss Elting stood aside while the man stepped toward the door.
At this juncture Harriet Burrell appeared in the doorway leading to the hall. She had missed Miss Elting, and, not finding the guardian in her room, had come downstairs in search of her. Harriet had not known that the guardian was engaged.
”Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss Elting. I did not know--I thought you were alone.”
”It is all right. Come in, Harriet. What did you wish?”
Harriet did not reply. Instead, she gazed perplexedly at the retreating form of Miss Elting's late caller.
”You'll be sorry you ever took up with that hound,” flung back the fellow, turning as he was about to step out on the veranda.
Miss Elting made no reply. Her lips tightened a little, then she turned with a half-smile, regarding Harriet's frowning face quizzically.
”What does it mean, Miss Elting?” questioned the girl.