Where's Miss Merrick ?" "She is occupying Ma'm'selle Diana's room, in the west wing.

Will monsieur please to come this way ?" She led him to her own little room, and so engrossed were they that neither remembered he had failed to rebolt the front door.
A good fire burned in the grate of Cerise's cosy den and Mershone threw off his overcoat and warmed his hands as he showered questions upon the old caretaker.
"How is the girl behaving?
Tears and hysterics ?" "At times, m'sieur." "Takes it hard, eh ?" "She is very unhappy." "Ever mention a man named Weldon ?" "Often." "Humph!" He did not like this report.

"Has anyone been here to disturb you, or to make enquiries ?" "No one, m'sieur." "We're safe enough, I guess.

It was a mighty neat job, Cerise, taken altogether, although the fools have been watching me night and day.
That's the reason I did not come sooner." She made no comment.

Mershone threw himself into a chair and stared thoughtfully at the fire.
"Has Louise--Miss Merrick, you know--mentioned my name at all ?" "At times." "In what way ?" "With loathing and contempt." He scowled at her savagely.
"Do you think she suspects that I carried her away ?" "She seems to know it absolutely." He stared at the fire again.
"I've got a queer job on my hands, Cerise, and I rely on you to help me," said he presently, assuming a more conciliating manner.