“Please, Adeline--” “I need not tell you, Mr. Thorstad, that this unwarranted action of my partner has incensed me beyond measure. I have the greatest respect for your daughter.” Mr. Thorstad inclined his head a little. “We wish to find her, Mr. Flandon. We are greatly disturbed. My daughter went away of her own free will, according to a letter I had from her. She was evidently drawn by some enthusiasm of emotion.” “She wrote you that?” “To that effect.” Mrs. Thorstad broke in again. “Even before your wife, Mr. Flandon, I think we should tell you that we know that your name has been coupled with our daughter’s name. Mr. Sable let us infer it. I’m sorry, Mrs. Flandon--” She did not look sorry. She looked vindictive. “I know,” said Helen, “I believe, Gage, that you could throw some light on all this. I don’t _know_ that you could but Miss Thorstad’s parents should be relieved of anxiety if possible.” Gage looked at his wife. Her eyes met his levelly, seemingly void of feeling, empty even of anger. Her resistance to pain woke admiration--then cruelty. So that was all she cared, was it? New woman--modern stuff! “I do not know where Miss Thorstad is,” he repeated, “I think, however, that a girl with her strength and control is safe wherever she may be. She may think it best to keep her plans to herself for the time being--” “You speak with curious confidence, Mr. Flandon,” said Mrs. Thorstad sharply. “This matter involves my daughter’s reputation.” “From what I have seen of your daughter she is above gossip,” answered Gage. He turned to the other man. “I am sorry I cannot help you. I am more sorry than I can say that she was treated unfairly in my office and I shall do my best to adjust that. If I should hear from her of course you will be informed.” Mr. Thorstad looked a little tired. He had perhaps keyed himself to this encounter and found it exhausting to have it end in futility. “I shall pursue my inquiries, of course. It is not a matter which we care to have handled through any ordinary channels of search as we are informed by her that she left voluntarily. It may be that she will communicate with me to-morrow.” An embarrassed pause came. “Come, Adeline,” said her husband, still initiative. Mrs. Thorstad felt and looked frustrated. She frowned at him, tight lips compressed. It was clear that she was neither pleased nor satisfied, that she wished to ferret further and the presence of her husband restrained her. “The affair shall be probed,” she said somewhat absurdly. “You mustn’t go out in this heat without a cool drink. Let me give you a glass of lemonade, won’t you?” Helen rang the bell before Mrs. Thorstad could protest. “It’s very good of you, Mrs. Flandon,” she subsided, stiffly. Gage seized his opportunity. “I’ll get you a real drink, Thorstad. Come out in the dining-room, won’t you?” Mr. Thorstad, on the point of refusal, checked himself. Gage’s face was significant. He wanted to see him alone.