Anna the Adventuress - Page 19/148

She stopped short. There was a sharp knocking at the outside door.

Courtlaw rose to his feet.

"It is too late for visitors," she remarked. "I wonder would you mind

seeing who it is."

Courtlaw crossed the room and threw open the door. He had come to

Anna's rooms from a dinner party, and he was in evening dress. Sir

John, who was standing outside, looked past him at the girl still

sitting in the shadow.

"I believe," he said stiffly, "that these are the apartments of Miss

Pellissier. I must apologize for disturbing you at such an unseemly

hour, but I should be very much obliged if Miss Pellissier would allow

me a few minutes' conversation. My name is Ferringhall--Sir John

Ferringhall."