Part 38 (1/2)

”Mrs. Montague,” exclaimed Mrs. Davis, in an obviously nervous, forced voice, ”there's a gentleman downstairs who wishes to see you.”

”A gentleman to see me!” exclaimed Aileen, astonished and paling. ”Are you sure?”

”Yes; he says he wants to see you. There are several other men with him.

I think it's some one who belongs to you, maybe.”

Aileen realized on the instant, as did Cowperwood, what had in all likelihood happened. Butler or Mrs. Cowperwood had trailed them--in all probability her father. He wondered now what he should do to protect her, not himself. He was in no way deeply concerned for himself, even here. Where any woman was concerned he was too chivalrous to permit fear. It was not at all improbable that Butler might want to kill him; but that did not disturb him. He really did not pay any attention to that thought, and he was not armed.

”I'll dress and go down,” he said, when he saw Aileen's pale face.

”You stay here. And don't you worry in any way for I'll get you out of this--now, don't worry. This is my affair. I got you in it and I'll get you out of it.” He went for his hat and coat and added, as he did so, ”You go ahead and dress; but let me go first.”

Aileen, the moment the door closed, had begun to put on her clothes swiftly and nervously. Her mind was working like a rapidly moving machine. She was wondering whether this really could be her father.

Perhaps it was not. Might there be some other Mrs. Montague--a real one?

Supposing it was her father--he had been so nice to her in not telling the family, in keeping her secret thus far. He loved her--she knew that.

It makes all the difference in the world in a child's att.i.tude on an occasion like this whether she has been loved and petted and spoiled, or the reverse. Aileen had been loved and petted and spoiled. She could not think of her father doing anything terrible physically to her or to any one else. But it was so hard to confront him--to look into his eyes.

When she had attained a proper memory of him, her fluttering wits told her what to do.

”No, Frank,” she whispered, excitedly; ”if it's father, you'd better let me go. I know how to talk to him. He won't say anything to me. You stay here. I'm not afraid--really, I'm not. If I want you, I'll call you.”

He had come over and taken her pretty chin in his hands, and was looking solemnly into her eyes.

”You mustn't be afraid,” he said. ”I'll go down. If it's your father, you can go away with him. I don't think he'll do anything either to you or to me. If it is he, write me something at the office. I'll be there.

If I can help you in any way, I will. We can fix up something. There's no use trying to explain this. Say nothing at all.”

He had on his coat and overcoat, and was standing with his hat in his hand. Aileen was nearly dressed, struggling with the row of red current-colored b.u.t.tons which fastened her dress in the back. Cowperwood helped her. When she was ready--hat, gloves, and all--he said:

”Now let me go first. I want to see.”

”No; please, Frank,” she begged, courageously. ”Let me, I know it's father. Who else could it be?” She wondered at the moment whether her father had brought her two brothers but would not now believe it. He would not do that, she knew. ”You can come if I call.” She went on.

”Nothing's going to happen, though. I understand him. He won't do anything to me. If you go it will only make him angry. Let me go. You stand in the door here. If I don't call, it's all right. Will you?”

She put her two pretty hands on his shoulders, and he weighed the matter very carefully. ”Very well,” he said, ”only I'll go to the foot of the stairs with you.”

They went to the door and he opened it. Outside were Alderson with two other detectives and Mrs. Davis, standing perhaps five feet away.

”Well,” said Cowperwood, commandingly, looking at Alderson.

”There's a gentleman down-stairs wishes to see the lady,” said Alderson.

”It's her father, I think,” he added quietly.

Cowperwood made way for Aileen, who swept by, furious at the presence of men and this exposure. Her courage had entirely returned. She was angry now to think her father would make a public spectacle of her. Cowperwood started to follow.

”I'd advise you not to go down there right away,” cautioned Alderson, sagely. ”That's her father. Butler's her name, isn't it? He don't want you so much as he wants her.”

Cowperwood nevertheless walked slowly toward the head of the stairs, listening.

”What made you come here, father?” he heard Aileen ask.

Butler's reply he could not hear, but he was now at ease for he knew how much Butler loved his daughter.