“You know where he went to?” I asked.

She shook her head.

“He asked for a Continental time-table,” she said, “but he gave no address, nor did he tell any one of his intentions.  He was a gentleman that kept himself to himself,” she remarked, looking at me a little curiously.

I thanked the woman and departed.  Delora was scarcely likely to have left behind any reliable details of his intentions at such a place.  I drove on to the Milan, and entered the Court with a curious little thrill of interest.  The hall-porter welcomed me with a smile.

“Glad to see you back again, Captain Rotherby,” he said.  “Have you any luggage?”

“None,” I answered.  “I am not sure whether I shall be staying.”

“This morning’s letters are in your room, sir,” he announced.

I nodded.  I was not particularly interested in my letters!  I drew Ashley a little on one side.

“Tell me,” I said, “is Miss Delora still here?”

“She is still here, sir,” Ashley announced.

“The companion also?” I asked.

“Yes, sir!” he answered.  “I am not sure whether they are in, sir, but they are still staying here.”

“And Mr. Delora?” I asked,—­“has he ever turned up yet?”

“Not yet, sir.  The young lady said that they were expecting him now every day.”

“Telephone up and see if Miss Delora is in, Ashley,” I asked.

He disappeared for a moment into his office.

“No answer, sir,” he announced presently.  “I believe that they are out.”

Almost as he spoke I saw through the windows of the hair-dresser’s shop a familiar figure entering the hotel.  I left Ashley hurriedly, and in a moment I was face to face with Felicia.  She gave a little cry when she saw me, and it was a joy to me to realize that it was a cry of pleasure.

“Capitaine Rotherby!” she exclaimed.  “You!”

She gave me her hands with an impetuous little movement.  I held them tightly in mine.

“I want to speak to you at once,” I said.  “Where can we go?”

“Madame is out for an hour,” she said.  “We could go in the little smoking-room.  But have you forgotten your promise?”

“Never mind about that, Felicia,” I whispered.  “Something has happened.  I went first to see your uncle, but I could not find him.  I must talk with you.  Come!”

We walked together across the hall, through the end of the cafe, down which she threw one long, anxious glance, and entered the little smoking-room.  It was empty except for one man writing letters.  I led the way into the most remote corner, and wheeled out an easy-chair.

“Felicia,” I said, “if I can get a special license, will you marry me to-morrow?”

CHAPTER XXXIII

FELICIA HESITATES

Felicia looked at me for a moment with wide-open eyes.  Then a little stream of color rushed into her cheeks, her lips slowly parted, and she laughed, not altogether without embarrassment.