Iris did not reply, for just at that moment Cora Sully appeared to remove the dishes and the Misses Gates made it a point never to discuss personal affairs or business before their servants. Upon leaving the dining room Doris started to bring up the subject again but before she could do so, Ronald Trent was announced. He appeared less affable than usual and lost no time in bringing up the matter of the loan. The Misses Gates looked doubtfully at Doris. “I have already sent for the money,” she told them. “It should be here tomorrow or the next day.” “Sent?” Ronald asked blankly. “You didn’t get the bank draft the way I told you to?” “Why, no,” Doris returned innocently. “I thought it would be so much easier to have Jake bring the money.” “And who is Jake?” the man questioned suspiciously. “Oh, he works for my uncle.” Ronald Trent seemed to relax at this, but it was evident to both Kitty and Doris that he was far from pleased at the way the matter had been handled. “Well, all right,” he said grumpily, “but he’d better get here with the money tomorrow.” “Why Ronald!” Azalea reproved gently. “I think it’s lovely of Doris to offer her money, and we mustn’t seem ungrateful.” “Humph! It’s just a straight business deal. She knows she’ll get every cent of it back and with interest! Come on, if you’re going with me! I can’t wait around much longer!” Azalea and Iris looked a trifle crushed at this abrupt statement, but they hurried away to get their coats and hats. “We must leave you alone for awhile,” Azalea said apologetically to the girls. “We have a little business to attend to at the bank.” “Come on, let’s get going!” Ronald urged. In the doorway he turned back toward Doris. “Don’t fail to let that fellow Jake know he’s to bring the money tomorrow. Understand?” “I think so,” Doris returned dryly. After the three had left the mansion, she and Kitty took stock of affairs. They were amazed that the Misses Gates had gone with Ronald, for it was only on very rare occasions that they ever set foot beyond the high hedge which surrounded Locked Gates. “They’re under that man’s influence entirely,” Kitty declared. Doris nodded soberly. “And he’s getting more sure of himself every minute. Why, he spoke positively mean to them.” “I wonder why they went to the bank?” “Most likely to give him more money, though from what they said, I’m sure they’re practically destitute. Oh, it’s a shame!” “What can we do, Doris?” “I don’t know, but I have a feeling things are about to reach a climax. Let’s go for a walk and perhaps we can think of some way to show Ronald up in his true light.” As the girls went to their room for their hats, they met Cora and Henry just starting up the stairway with broom, dustpan and mop. Since it was an unusual sight to see the two working together unless the Misses Gates were at hand to watch them, Kitty and Doris could not hide their surprise.