Part 67 (2/2)

He had hope, however, that Providence was in this as in other things.

That G.o.d had moved her heart to send him help when he needed it most he could no longer doubt. And since she had been the inspiration of what was best in his life, it might be the purpose of that Higher Will that she should stand by his side during the rest of his life.

At any rate, he would prove the matter for himself, as far as it could be proved. New York--or even America--was not so big but he might find her with patience and determination.

On reaching New York he made his way to Mr. Graythorne's office.

Presuming that it was she who had commissioned him to send the money, he would know where she lived. If it was not she, a new riddle would confront him, which he would have to try to solve sooner or later.

Mr. Graythorne received him, as before, without enthusiasm, and with no manifestation of surprise. Indeed, he quite expected that sooner or later he would call.

Rufus plunged into the object of his visit without any waste of words.

Indeed, his first question was so sudden and direct that it threw Mr.

Graythorne completely off his guard.

”I have called to ask you for the address of Miss Madeline Grover,” he said.

Mr. Graythorne gave a start, and turned half round in his chair.

”Eh--eh? What's that?” he asked, abruptly.

”Miss Grover is a client of yours, I believe----”

”Who said she was a client of mine?”

Rufus smiled. ”Of course, if you object to give me her address,” he said, ”I will not press the matter.”

”I did not say I refuse, but such a request is somewhat unusual. Miss Grover may not care to have people calling on her. Her business affairs she leaves in my hands.”

”And she is no doubt well advised in so doing. But I don't think Miss Grover will object to my calling.”

”You know her?”

”A little. We met a few times when she was staying with the Tregonys.”

”Oh, indeed.” Mr. Graythorne expected he would say something about the five thousand dollars, but that was no part of his programme just then.

The lawyer felt in a quandary. He did not know what to do for the best.

He could not very well refuse her address, and yet he was not sure she would like being pounced upon by this young man without a moment's warning. Unfortunately, he could not ring her up, for she had no telephone in her house. What was he to do? Rufus stood looking at him with a smile on his face.

”If you are acquaintances,” he said at length, ”that of course settles the matter,” and he wrote the address on a sheet of paper and handed it to his visitor.

Rufus thanked him and turned to go at once.

”Your property has turned out all right, I hear?” the lawyer said, insinuatingly.

”Oh, yes, excellently.”

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