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"What is it, Jonas?" she demanded crossly, in answer to a timid knock on her door. "Mrs. Arnold an' Mrs. Bennett am down in de pawler, Miss Turkey." No negro had ever been able to pronounce Miss Metoaca's name, and she had been accustomed from childhood to being called "Miss Turkey" by her domestics. "Dey done seed yo' come home, an' I'se jes' 'bliged ter show dem in."
Reluctantly Goddard rose and assisted Miss Metoaca in handing the sandwiches, cakes, and cold coffee to Nancy. They did full justice to the good things provided by Miss Metoaca's excellent cook, and lingered over the improvised lunch table.
Goddard was also taking stock of Miss Metoaca. He decided in his own mind he had never seen a more angular frame, nor so large a nose as her physiognomy presented. "I hope you have given your consent to Miss Newton's trip?" he asked eagerly. "Yes and no." Miss Metoaca's voice surprised him by its thin treble. It did not seem possible that so little sound could come out of so big a cavity.
Things had not gone to suit him that day. The result of the autopsy had puzzled him; the search of Miss Metoaca's house had proved disappointing, for nothing had been found there that in any way touched on the supposed murder, or on the whereabouts of the missing and all-important despatch.
His voice unconsciously deepened on the last solemn word, and Miss Metoaca's face went gray. "I wish you men were not so fond of plain language," she exclaimed irritably. "Please remember they have not yet proved anything against Nancy." "Quite true. But you must also recollect, Miss Metoaca, that a military commission will accept evidence which a civil court would throw out."
Arnold received Nancy and her aunt with some reserve. She did not want her nephew to marry Nancy, but still less, with true feminine inconsistency, did she want him to be jilted by such a chit of a girl. She also stood very much in awe of Miss Metoaca's ready wit and formidable tongue.
Mrs. Arnold and her friend exchanged doubtful glances. "Have you been allowed to see your niece?" inquired the latter, as Mrs. Arnold seemed at a loss for words. "No; and I am convinced the food and clothes I send her never get past the inspector's office." "Have you appealed to the President?" "Have I?" Miss Metoaca's tone was eloquent. "I have tormented that poor man nearly to death."
Arnold's ball was in full swing when Nancy and her aunt arrived. Nancy did not look well, to Miss Metoaca's concern, who tersely advised her to pull herself together, or else stay at home. If she had followed the latter course, Miss Metoaca would have been bitterly disappointed, for she greatly enjoyed going to parties and watching Nancy's belleship. Nancy much preferred staying quietly at home.
All day long Miss Metoaca's negro butler kept trotting to the front door in answer to the frantic ringing of the bell, and to every anxious inquiry he invariably replied: "Miss Turkey's only tol'able, thank yo', and she begs to be 'scused." Late in the afternoon Senator Warren walked heavily up the steps.
Lloyd returned to the car, and joined two women who stood waiting patiently by its side. "This way, Miss Watt," and followed by both women he led the way to the waiting room. Lieutenant Field threw open the door. "Captain Lloyd," he announced. Miss Metoaca's busy fingers stopped and she surveyed the newcomer from head to foot, but Nancy never turned in his direction.
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