The King of the Street seemed straightforward enough in his statement of plans, and it did not occur to me to distrust him while I was in his presence. Yet, once more in my office, with the locked door between, I began to doubt, and tried to find some hidden meaning in each word and look. What plan was he revolving in that fertile brain? I could not guess. The mystery of the great speculator was beyond my power to fathom. And we worked, each in ignorance of the other's purposes, and went the appointed road. CHAPTER XV I AM IN THE TOILS “Welcome once more, Mr. Wilton,” said Mrs. Doddridge Knapp, holding out her hand. “Were you going to neglect us again?” “Not at all, madam,” said I with unblushing mendacity. “I am always at your command.” Mrs. Knapp bowed with regal condescension, and replied with such intimations of good will that I was glad I had come. I had vowed I would never set foot again in the place. The hot blood of shame had burned my cheeks whenever I recalled my dismissal from the lips of the daughter of the house. But I had received a letter from Mrs. Bowser, setting forth that I was wanted at the house of Doddridge Knapp, and her prolixity was such that I was unable to determine whether she, or Mrs. Knapp, or Luella, wished to see me. But as all three appeared to be concerned in it I pocketed pride and resentment, and made my bow with some nervous quavers at the Pine Street palace. As I was speaking I cast my eyes furtively about the room. Mrs. Knapp interpreted my glance. “She will be in presently.” There was to my ear a trace of mocking laughter in her voice as she spoke, but her face betokened only a courteous interest. “Thanks--I hope so,” I said in a little confusion. I wished I knew whether she meant Luella or Mrs. Bowser. “You got the note?” she asked. “It was a great pleasure.” “Mrs. Bowser wished so much to see you again. She has been singing your praises--you were such an agreeable young man.” I cursed Mrs. Bowser in my heart. “I am most flattered,” I said politely. There was a mischievous sparkle in Mrs. Knapp's eye, but her face was serenely gracious. “I believe there was some arrangement between you about a trip to see the sights of Chinatown. Mrs. Bowser was quite worried for fear you had forgotten it, so I gave her your address and told her to write you a note.” I had not been conscious of expecting anything from my visit, but at this bit of information I found that I had been building air-castles which had been invisible till they came tumbling about my ears. I could not look for Miss Knapp's company on such an expedition. “Oh,” said I, with an attempt to conceal my disappointment, “the matter had slipped my mind. I shall be most happy to attend Mrs. Bowser, or to see that she has a proper escort.” We had been walking about the room during this conversation, and at this point had come to an alcove where Mrs. Knapp motioned me to a seat.