His companion
must have sensed the same fact, for she swiftly drew back beneath the
shadow of the vines.
"You meet him," she whispered, "alone. I would rather he did not find us
together."
"But can you escape unseen?"
"Yes, under cover of the hedge. But be very careful what you say."
She had vanished before he could interpose, slipping away so noiselessly,
he was scarcely aware of her swift action. His eyes followed the more
deliberate movements of the man, who slowly descended the broad steps,
pausing when once on the gravelled walk to glance curiously back at the
house. West thought his interest centred on the open window of the room
he had occupied, but this was merely a conjecture, for the delay was but
for a moment; shortly after Coolidge strolled on directly toward the
summer-house, the blue smoke of the cigarette marking his progress. West
stepped carelessly forth from the concealment of the vines, watchful for
any change of expression on the face of the other. There was none, not
even a look of surprise, or a tightening of the lip.
"Ah! Captain," he said easily, tossing his stub aside, and drawing forth
his case for another. "Glorious air this morning; the advantage of early
rising; you indulge, I presume?"
"An army habit, I mean to do away with later. Thanks. I suppose breakfast
is not ready?"
"Hardly yet," glancing about inquiringly. "My niece is usually out here
at this hour, which accounts for my venturing forth.
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