"Don't get excited," he urged. "Somebody did go after her last night, and
brought her home."
"But where is she now? Where is that contemptible Phipps? I'll have him
arrested! Are you sure Nellie is safe?"
"I left her safe and sound at the Martels' half an hour ago. Will you
listen while I tell you all about it?"
As quietly as he could he told the story, interrupted again and again by
Madam's hysterical outbursts. When he had finished she struggled to her
feet.
"The child is stark mad!" she cried. "I am going after her this instant."
"She won't see you," warned Quin.
"I'll show you whether she sees me or not! I am going to bring her home
with me to-night. She's got to be protected against that scoundrel. Ring
for the carriage!"
Quin did not move. "She said if any of you started after her you'd find
her gone when you got there."
"But who will tell her?"
"I will. I promised she wouldn't have to see you. It was the only way I
could get her back from Chicago."
She scowled at him in silence, measuring his determination against her
own.
"Very well," she said at last. "Since you are in such high favor, go and
tell her that she can come home, and nothing more will be said about it.
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