"His landlady--a very good woman, her name is Mrs. Haze--spoke of that, and she's the proper one to do it. But we decided, she and I, to wait awhile longer. You see, if the police took up the matter, and it got noised about, and Davenport reappeared in the natural order of things--as of course he will--why, how foolish we should all feel!"
"What do feelings of that sort matter, when deeper ones are concerned?"
"Nothing at all; but I'm thinking of Davenport's feelings. You know how he would hate that sort of publicity."
"That must be risked. It's a small thing compared with his safety. Oh, if you knew my anxiety!"
"I understand, Miss Kenby. I'll have Mrs. Haze go to police headquarters at once. I'll go with her. And then, if there's still no news, I'll go around to the--to other places where people inquire in such cases."
"And you'll let me know immediately--as soon as you find out anything?"
"Immediately. I'll telegraph. Where to? Your Fifth Avenue address?"
"Stay here to-night, Florence," put in Edna. "It will be all right, _now_."
"Very well. Thank you, dear. Then you can telegraph here, Mr. Larcher."
Her instant compliance with Edna's suggestion puzzled Larcher a little.
"She's had an understanding with her father," said Edna, having noted his look. "She's a bit more her own mistress to-day than she was yesterday."
"Yes," said Florence, "I--I had a talk with him--I spoke to him about those letters, and he finally--explained the matter. We settled many things. He released me from the promise we were talking about yesterday."
"It's the news we had ready for you when you brought us such a disappointment," bemoaned Edna.
"It's news that will change the world for Davenport," replied Larcher. "I _must_ find him now. If he only knew what was waiting for him, he wouldn't be long missing."
"It would be too cruel if any harm befell him"--Florence's voice quivered as she spoke--"at this time, of all times. It would be the crowning misfortune."
"I don't think destiny means to play any such vile trick, Miss Kenby."
"I don't see how Heaven could allow it," said Florence, earnestly.
"Well, he's simply _got_ to be found. So I'm off to Mrs. Haze. I can go tea-less this time, thank you. Is there anything I can do for you on the way?"