Perhaps she is not so cruel, after all. To me she seems only very,
very sad. Tell me, Mr. Laverick, why did she send for you?"

"I imagine," said he, "that it was a whim. It must have been a
whim."




CHAPTER XXI

MADEMOISELLE IDIALE'S VISIT


Laverick, on the following morning, found many things to think
about. He was accustomed to lunch always at the same restaurant,
within a few yards of his office, and with the same little company
of friends. Just as he was leaving, an outside broker whom he
knew slightly came across the room to him.

"Tell me, Laverick," he asked, "what's become of your partner?"

"He has gone abroad for a few weeks. As a matter of fact, we shall
be announcing a change in the firm shortly."

"Queer thing," the broker remarked. "I was in Liverpool yesterday,
and I could have sworn that I saw him hanging around the docks. I
should never have doubted it, but Morrison was always so careful
about his appearance, and this fellow was such a seedy-looking
individual. I called out to him and he vanished like a streak."