Page:Chipperfield--Unseen Hands.djvu/202

190 There were tired lines under her eyes. "Mr. Lorne looked for you eagerly yesterday, and I—we were all anxious to see you."

"You have something to tell me, Miss Meade?"

"Unfortunately, no. We are all as much in the dark as before; but the suspense is horrible! It has been a comfort to know that your men were here to protect the children."

"The children alone, Miss Meade? The next blow might have fallen on you; have you thought of that?" he asked her quietly.

She shook her head.

"I thought only of the others. It doesn't matter about me; you see, I—I have no fear. But tell me, have you discovered anything, Sergeant Odell? Although I shrank at first from a knowledge of the truth I feel now that any awakening, no matter how bitter and soul-crushing, would be far better than this nightmare in which we are all living. Please be frank with me; I must know."

"My dear Miss Meade, when I have any news you may rest assured that you shall be the first to hear it," he replied gently.

"Will you go up to my brother-in-law now? He has been asking for you ever since he woke up." She paused and then added: "But you look very tired, Sergeant Odell; may I not first offer you a cup of coffee?"

He shook his head smilingly.

"Thank you, no. I breakfasted early. I will interview Mr. Lorne presently, but first I should like to see Taylor, one of my operatives here; may he be sent for, please?"

Taylor came to him in the library, and at his entrance Odell noted the look of grim satisfaction upon his face.