he is disengaged at present. He has been very busy yesterday and to-day.”
“Indeed! But I think he will see me. I wish to talk with him for a moment on a matter of business.”
“I will ask him,” said the girl, “although he has given me strict orders not to be disturbed. Will you walk into the parlor in the meantime?”
He signified his assent, and she led the way. He stopped on the threshold for an instant in surprise, as he saw two young men in the room.
“Mr. Haywood,” said Florence, “permit me to introduceyou to Mr. Carlos Conrad. This is Mr. Lester. Please excuse me for a moment.”
And she gracefully retired from the room, leaving the gentlemen to make the acquaintance of and entertain each other.
It was an awkward meeting. Haywood, for once in his life, was lost for something to say. Carlos eyed him steadily, and betrayed agitation. Leonard endeavored to open a conversation.
“We are on a visit to Dalton,” he said, “and called this morning to see our uncle, but he is indisposed, and we are forced to forego the pleasure of an interview with him.”
“Ah!” was Mr. Haywood’s sole comment.
“Yes, but we have had the pleasure of spending a few moments with the very lovely girl who just left us. I judge that you are acquainted with her. May I ask whether she is a relative of Colonel Conrad?”
“She is an adopted daughter of Colonel Conrad, who, as you doubtless know, never had any children. Her name is Florence Darley.”
“She has a beautiful face,” said Leonard.
“Yes,” said Haywood, showing three of his teeth, “everybody admires her beauty.”
At this moment the object of their conversation returned. She said:
“Colonel Conrad will see you for a moment, Mr. Haywood.”
Haywood rose from his seat, cast a barely perceptible look of triumph at the two young men, and left the parlor. He proceeded directly to his uncle’s room, and knocked. He was bade to enter.
He opened the door, expecting to see Colonel Conrad stretched out on a couch, with
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