Page:Jackson Gregory--joyous trouble maker.djvu/327

Rh men, also hurriedly dressed and plainly concerned, were to be seen on the verandas, in the yards and at the doors.

As Steele appeared among them unexpectedly out of the outer darkness he was greeted by a sharp, wondering cry here, a muttered exclamation there; the women near the door drew back from him, staring curiously.

"Where is Mrs. Denham?" he demanded loudly. He had come straight on and into the room where fully a dozen of Beatrice's guests were grouped and talking rapidly. Then he discovered her across the room, her hair down but not in the unbecoming confusion he had noted on every hand, her petite figure clothed in a vivid green kimono. He came on to her swiftly, with eyes for no one else.

"I want to talk with you," he told her, an ominous sternness in voice and eyes alike. "Alone. Come with me into the library."

Mrs. Denham shot him a sharp, half frightened look, seemed to hesitate, then as his eyes rested steadily upon her followed him. When the two were alone in the library and Steele had shut the door upon the many interested glances which had followed them, he stood frowning down at her angrily.

"Where is Beatrice?" he demanded.

"Oh, dear!" cried Mrs. Denham. "That's what we are all wondering. We …" "Where is Joe Embry?" he cut in sharply.

"He has gone to look for her. He left word …"

"Tell me as fast as you can get it out just what has happened."