"No wonder you are worn out." Douglas looked his concern. "I really think a motor ride would do you lots of good. Do keep your promise and come for a spin." Eleanor glanced doubtfully down at her pretty house gown. "If you don't mind waiting while I change----" "Why, certainly." "I won't be long"--and Eleanor disappeared. Douglas did not resume his seat; but instead paced the room with long, nervous strides. Eleanor was not the only one who had passed a sleepless night. He had sat up and wracked his brain trying to find the key to the solution of the mystery surrounding the Senator's death. Annette must be made to tell what she knew. Perhaps Brett's authority as an officer of the law might intimidate her. It was worth trying. Walking down to the folding doors, which led from the drawing-room to the dining room, he opened them and found Joshua busy polishing the mahogany table. "Is there a branch telephone in the house?" he asked, "besides the one in the library? Mrs. Winthrop is in there and I don't want to disturb her." "Suttenly, suh; dar's one right in de pantry, suh," and Joshua, dropping his work, piloted him to the instrument. It took him but a few minutes to get police headquarters on the wire, only to find that Brett was out. Whistling softly, he hung up the receiver and went back into the drawing-room. Eleanor had not appeared, and he sat down at the inlaid desk, which was supplied with pen, ink, and paper, and wrote a short note while he waited for her return. "Where's Eleanor?" asked Thornton, coming into the room and picking up his hat, which he had left on one of the chairs. "Here," and his niece, who had entered just behind him, joined them. "I am sorry to have kept you so long, Mr. Hunter, but I found Annette had gone out on an errand for Cynthia, and I had to do without her assistance." "You were very successful." Thornton made her a courtly bow, as he gazed at his beautiful niece. Her fashionable light-gray suit and smart hat were extremely becoming. Eleanor colored faintly as she read the admiration in Douglas' eyes. "What luck did you have with Mrs. Winthrop, Uncle Dana?" she asked. "The best. She said she thought it an excellent plan. So I shall expect you both this afternoon, Eleanor, and you had better stop and pick up your Cousin Kate Truxton on your way out." "Very well, I will; but, Uncle Dana, we won't get over to you until just before dinner." "That will do." The two men followed Eleanor out into the square hall. "Don't forget, Douglas, that I expect you, too." "That's very good of you, sir," Douglas hesitated, "but don't you think I might be in the way in a family party?" "A family party is exactly what I wish to avoid," exclaimed Thornton. "Cynthia needs to be taken out of herself. And, therefore, I want you to spend Sunday with us, as if it were a regular house party."