Michael and the girl were in the old man’s room when he gave them this information, and the two exchanged glances. Here was an unforeseen complication. “I saw no sign of a car, hired or otherwise,” he said. “And Moron--phew!” He whistled. “Perhaps they lost their way,” suggested Lois, and he seemed prepared to accept the suggestion. “If you don’t mind, Miss Reddle, I’ll wait here until they have returned,” he said, and then: “You don’t wish to call up Lady Moron, I suppose?” Lois shuddered. “No, no, not that terrible woman.” “So you know--or rather, you guess?” Lois shook her head. “I know nothing. The whole thing is a mystery to me. It is so confusing that I think I should go mad, only I’m so grateful to be here,” she smiled, and held out her hand. “And I knew that it would be you who would come for me, just as I know it will be you who will restore my mother to me.” He took her hand and held it, his eyes searching hers. “I’m going to tell you something,” he said in a low voice. They were alone in the little room, and she felt her heart beating in time with the cheap American clock on the table. “I suppose I really oughtn’t to say anything,” he said, “because I have no right. But I feel if I don’t tell you I may never have another opportunity.” She had dropped her eyes before his, but now she looked at him again. “I love you,” he said simply. “I can’t marry you, I won’t ask you to marry me, and that is what makes this folly of mine all the more mad! But I want you to believe that it has been a happiness to work for you.” “For me?” she said. “Why, of course, you’ve worked very hard for me.” “And I have been paid very well,” was the disconcerting rejoinder. “But I would do it again and pay all the money I have in the world for the privilege.” Suddenly he released her hand, and when she smiled up at him he, too, was smiling. “Two declarations of love in one night is more than any reasonable girl can expect,” he said flippantly. “One declaration of love,” she said in a low voice, “and one offer of marriage--quite different, isn’t it?” “I’m not an authority on these matters,” he said with a sigh, and looked up at the loud-ticking clock. Michael saw the hour and frowned. “I’m rather worried about these people; where on earth can they have got? You don’t feel worried about sleeping here to-night alone--if you have to sleep alone?” She shook her head. “I’m troubled about Lizzy,” she said. “Poor Lord Moron! I wonder what his mother would say if she knew.” “She probably knows,” said Michael. It was at that moment they heard Lizzy’s voice in the hall and the sound of feet on the stairs. Lois ran out to the landing and looked down into the lighted hall. “Michael!” she called wildly, and he was at her side. “Look--oh, look!” she said in a hushed voice. And Michael Dorn looked--and wondered! Chapter Thirty-five