I hated the circumstances under which I had seen her.

I hated the mystery by which they were surrounded.

It was absolutely maddening for me to reflect that two floors below she was spending the night either with some mysterious and secret knowledge, or in real distress as to her uncle's fate.

After all, I told myself a little bitterly, I was a fool! I was old enough to know better! The man himself was an adventurer,--there could be no doubt about it.

How was it possible that she could be altogether ignorant of his character?
Then, just as I was half undressed, there came a soft knock at my door.