"Yes, yes; quite likely," said my employer, referring to my story of
Wallbridge. "I heard something of the kind from my men. I'll know to-
morrow for certain, I expect. I forgot to tell you that the ladies
would want to see you. They have missed you lately." And the Wolf
motioned me to the door where the servant waited.
Here was a predicament. I was missed and wanted--and by the ladies. My
heart dropped back from my throat, and I felt it throbbing in the
lowest recesses of my boot-heels as I rose and followed my guide.
CHAPTER XII
LUELLA KNAPP
As the door swung open, my heart almost failed me. If there had been a
chance of escape I should have made the bolt, then and there.
I had not counted on an interview with the women of Doddridge Knapp's
family. I had, to be sure, vaguely foreseen the danger to come from
meeting them, but I had been confident that it would be easy to avoid
them. And now, in the face of the emergency, my resources had failed
me, and I was walking into Mrs. Knapp's reception-room without the
glimmer of an idea of how I should find my way out.
Two women rose to greet me as I entered the room.
"Good evening," said the elder woman, holding out her hand. "You have
neglected us for a long time." There was something of reproach as well
as civility in the voice.
Mrs. Doddridge Knapp, for I had no doubt it was she who greeted me, was
large of frame but well-proportioned, and stood erect, vigorous, with
an air of active strength rare in one of her years.
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