Then inaudibly, because of a gurgled laugh with which he was thoroughly familiar, he opened it and stepped in.
At his rough, firm cough they sprang up--Gurney to a hiding position behind a curtain, Stephanie to one of concealment behind draperies on the couch.

She could not speak, and could scarcely believe that her eyes did not deceive her.

Gurney, masculine and defiant, but by no means well composed, demanded: "Who are you?
What do you want here ?" Cowperwood replied very simply and smilingly: "Not very much.

Perhaps Miss Platow there will tell you." He nodded in her direction.
Stephanie, fixed by his cold, examining eye, shrank nervously, ignoring Gurney entirely.

The latter perceived on the instant that he had a previous liaison to deal with--an angry and outraged lover--and he was not prepared to act either wisely or well.
"Mr.Gurney," said Cowperwood, complacently, after staring at Stephanie grimly and scorching her with his scorn, "I have no concern with you, and do not propose to do anything to disturb you or Miss Platow after a very few moments.