Page:The Master of Mysteries (1912).djvu/519

 When they arrived, the servant who opened the door put a note into Mrs. Stellery's hand, saying that it had been delivered by a messenger boy. She tore it open, read it, and passed it to Astro:

"It was, of course, impossible for me to speak to you, as you were watched."

The next day, as Astro and Valeska were driving up-town, returning from a case that was then puzzling him, he proposed that they rest at Sherry's and take tea there. It was not yet four o'clock, and there was no one else in the room when they entered. Tea, muffins, and jam had hardly been ordered, however, when Valeska suddenly exclaimed:

"Why, there's Mr. Askerson now!"

"And there's Mrs. Stellery as well!" Astro added. Master and assistant gave each other a quick glance, then turned to the approaching couple. They were earnestly conversing, and did not, apparently, notice that there was any one else in the room as they walked across to the opposite side and sat down. Then Mrs. Stellery cast her gray eyes slowly about the room and met Astro's. He and Valeska could see the color mantle her cheeks as she turned away. Askerson was slower at perceiving who was present; but when at last he noticed Valeska, he turned suddenly and said something to Mrs. Stellery. The latter was too wellbred to turn; perhaps she was too busy in attempting to mask her thoughts in her haughty cold expression. They did not look over again.

"Well, if Mr. Askerson has written those letters, it's about time for him to explain now," said Valeska. "I