Both physically and mentally he moved on tiptoe. For whatever
surprise, for whatever ambush might lie in wait, he was prepared.
At the top of the stairs he found a wide hall along which on both
sides were many doors. The one directly facing the stairs stood
open. At one side of this the woman halted and with a gesture of
the jewelled fingers invited him to enter.

"My sitting-room," she said. As Wharton remained motionless she
substituted: " My office."

Peering into the room, Wharton found it suited to both titles. He
saw comfortable chairs, vases filled with autumn leaves, in silver
frames photographs, and between two open windows a business-like
roller-top desk on which was a hand telephone. In plain sight
through the windows he beheld the garage and behind it the tops of
trees. To summon Rumson, to keep in touch with Nolan, he need only
step to one of these windows and beckon. The strategic position of
the room appealed, and with a bow of the head he passed in front of
his hostess and entered it. He continued to take note of his
surroundings.

He now saw that from the office in which he stood doors led to
rooms adjoining. These doors were shut, and he determined swiftly
that before the interview began he first must know what lay behind
them. Mrs. Earle had followed and, as she entered, closed the door.

"No!" said Wharton.

It was the first time he had spoken. For an instant the woman
hesitated, regarding him thoughtfully, and then without resentment