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In spite of the Waldos' unwelcome attentions, their society was preferable infinitely preferable to a duet with Knight. They talked on such occasions; and the sharpest-eared scandal mongers could have guessed at nothing strange from their manner. But, save at these luncheons and these dinners, they scarcely spoke to each other. Knight took his cue from Annesley.
It would not have been so terrible, she thought, to have stayed in New York if only the Waldos hadn't interfered. But to have this man who, after all, was her one link with the old world get out of the train which was hurling them through space and leave her to go on alone! That was a fearful thing. She could not face the thought at least not yet. Perhaps she would feel more courageous to-morrow.
Waldo suggested that it would be a good moment to get the reservations. Again Annesley's startled glance turned to Knight. Again his eyes answered with decision. This time there was no longer any doubt in the girl's mind. The Waldos, persistent to the last, would compel her to leave New York with her husband. But whatever happened she would part with him forever before darkness fell.
He did not wish to come into an open collision with Miss Lou again if he could help it not at least while the Waldos remained. He had concluded that by a warning he might prevent trouble, his self- interest inclining him to be conservative. Confederate scrip had so lost its purchasing power that in its stead he had recently bargained with Mr. Baron for a share in the crops.
She would go to an agent, and it ought to be easy to find a place in the country or suburbs. It must not be New York, for fear of some chance meeting with the Waldos. But if worst came to worst, and because of those everlasting Waldos she had to get into the train with Knight, she would get out again at the first good-sized place where it stopped.
"Now, for what you are to do," he went on, crisply. "Although you and I never discussed the situation on board ship, I realized what the Waldos were letting you in for. I supposed you'd feel that your staying in New York was out of the question. I bought our tickets to Texas. At the same time I got a map and a guide-book which gives information about places on the way and beyond.
Annesley, alone next door, had plenty of books to read, parting gifts from the Waldos; but the most engrossing novel ever written could not have held her attention. The landscape changed kaleidoscopically. She wondered when they would arrive at Albuquerque, wondered, yet did not want to know. "Would you rather go to the dining car alone, or have me take you?" Knight came to ask.
And when this complication about the Waldos came up, I thought perhaps I was mistaken that you trusted me to do the best I could." "Yes. That's why I expected you not to get me a ticket to Texas." "How far did you expect me to get it?" "I don't know." "That's just it. Neither did I know. I got the whole ticket, so you might choose your stopping-place." "Oh!"
Of course, the Waldos were telling you whose house it was; and as luck would have it, I came out at that instant. "Whether there was anything in your guess or not doesn't matter. You're too sensible to mention it to any one except me. But I can't have you torturing yourself with the idea that such dealings as you imagine with Van Vreck are still going on, if they ever did go on.
I wish we could feed you at home, but nothing will be in shape there till to-night." There was still no chance for Annesley to ask Knight the long-delayed question. They saw and duly admired the Waldos' house, and took another taxi to the hotel, the Nelson Smiths' luggage having been "expressed" to the Grand Central, to await them. Steve Waldo tried to engage his favourite table, and Mrs.
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