I cannot sleep, I cannot rest, for
thinking of our position. If I thought that you had any fresh
plans on hand--"
She flicked the ash from her cigarette and checked him with a
little gesture.
"He knows where Beatrice is," she remarked thoughtfully, "and I
can't get him to tell me. There is nothing beyond -- absolutely
nothing." . . .
When Tavernake was announced, Elizabeth was still smoking,
sitting in an easy-chair and looking into the fire. Something in
her attitude, the droop of her head as it rested upon her
fingers, reminded him suddenly of Beatrice. He showed no other
emotion than a sudden pause in his walk across the room. Even
that, however, in a person whose machinelike attitude towards her
provoked her resentment, was noticeable.
"Good morning, my friend!" she said pleasantly. "You have
brought me the fresh list?"
"Unfortunately, no, madam," Tavernake answered. "I have called
simply to announce that I am not able to be of any further
assistance to you in the matter."
She looked at him for a moment without remark.
"Are you serious, Mr. Tavernake?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied. "The fact is I am not in a position to help
you. I have left the employ of Messrs. Dowling, Spence &
Company."
"Of your own accord?" she inquired quietly.
"No, I was dismissed," he confessed. "I should have been
compelled to leave in a very short time, but Mr. Dowling
forestalled me."
"Won't you sit down and tell me about it?" she invited.
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