The next thing occurred so soon, however, that I hadn't had time to
think of more than ten per cent. of the things that might happen to me.
The outside door opened to admit Hooper, followed by the girl. He stood
aside in the most courtly fashion.

"My dear," he said, "here is Mr. Sanborn, who has come to call on you.
You remember Mr. Sanborn, I am sure. You met him at dinner; and besides,
I believe you had some correspondence with him, did you not? He has
taken so much trouble, so very much trouble to see you that I think it a
great pity his wish should not be fulfilled. Won't you sit down here, my
dear?"

She was staring at me, her eyes gone wide with wonder and horror. Half
thinking she took her seat as indicated. Instantly the old man had bound
her elbows at the back and had lashed her to the chair. After the first
start of surprise she made no resistance.

"There," said Hooper, straightening up after the accomplishment of this
task; "now I'm going to leave you to your visit. You can talk it all
over. Tell him all you please, my dear. And you, sir, tell her all you
know. I think I can arrange so your confidences will go no further."

For the first time I heard him laugh, a high, uncertain cackle. The girl
said nothing, but she stared at him with level, blazing eyes. Also for
the first time I began to take an interest in her.

"Do you object to smoking?" I asked her, suddenly.

She blinked and recovered.