Douglas scanned the tall young officer approaching them with keen interest. His uniform set off his fine figure to advantage, and his face was one to inspire confidence.
"How are you, Mrs. Truxton," he said. "Miss Eleanor, I've been searching the place for you. Won't you come and see the rose garden with me? Oh, I beg pardon, Colonel, I didn't see you at first."
"That's all right, Lane. Have you met Mr. Hunter?"
"No. How do you do, sir." Lane wrung Douglas' hand. "Glad to know you."
"It is time for us all to go," declared Mrs. Truxton. "We must say good-bye. Come with me, Douglas, I want to ask you some questions about your family."
As the small group strolled toward the White House, Colonel Thornton was buttonholed by an old friend. Mrs. Truxton, with Douglas in tow, crossed the ground to where the President was standing talking to several late arrivals.
"Now's our time," whispered Lane in Eleanor's ear. "The rose garden is to our right." He said no more until they had passed the south portico and walked down the path leading to the wonderful box hedges which surround the rose garden. They had the place to themselves, and Eleanor exclaimed with pleasure at the beautiful flowers which were blossoming in profusion.
"How is Cynthia?" demanded Lane, stopping in the middle of the garden path and regarding his companion intently.
"My poor darling!" The soldier's strong face betrayed deep feeling. "I wish I could comfort her." His voice changed. "Miss Eleanor, why does she refuse to see me?" Eleanor hesitated perceptibly. "Wait, let me finish. I have called repeatedly at the Carews', only to be told that Cynthia is confined to her room; I have written notes which I have given personally to Joshua to deliver, and have never received an answer to one of them.
"I love Cynthia with all my heart and soul," Lane's voice shook with feeling, "and I would have sworn, before her uncle's death, that my affection was returned. I cannot understand her avoidance of me, and her silence cuts deep"--Lane stopped a moment and cleared his throat--"Miss Eleanor, you are Cynthia's most intimate friend, and you are with her constantly. You must have heard of some reason for her treatment of me."
Eleanor nodded without speaking. She heartily wished the interview was over.