What plan was he revolving in that fertile brain? I could not
guess. The mystery of the great speculator was beyond my power to
fathom. And we worked, each in ignorance of the other's purposes, and
went the appointed road.
CHAPTER XV
I AM IN THE TOILS
"Welcome once more, Mr. Wilton," said Mrs. Doddridge Knapp, holding out
her hand. "Were you going to neglect us again?"
"Not at all, madam," said I with unblushing mendacity. "I am always at
your command."
Mrs. Knapp bowed with regal condescension, and replied with such
intimations of good will that I was glad I had come. I had vowed I
would never set foot again in the place. The hot blood of shame had
burned my cheeks whenever I recalled my dismissal from the lips of the
daughter of the house. But I had received a letter from Mrs. Bowser,
setting forth that I was wanted at the house of Doddridge Knapp, and
her prolixity was such that I was unable to determine whether she, or
Mrs. Knapp, or Luella, wished to see me. But as all three appeared to
be concerned in it I pocketed pride and resentment, and made my bow
with some nervous quavers at the Pine Street palace.
As I was speaking I cast my eyes furtively about the room. Mrs. Knapp
interpreted my glance.
"She will be in presently." There was to my ear a trace of mocking
laughter in her voice as she spoke, but her face betokened only a
courteous interest.
"Thanks--I hope so," I said in a little confusion. I wished I knew
whether she meant Luella or Mrs.
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