He made a bow, not too low, then raised his hand in a detaining gesture when Miss Grayson turned to go.
"You are more fortunate than we--we who are in our own house--Miss Grayson," he said. "You pay in gold and with a large gold piece, too. Excuse me, but I could not help noticing."
Prescott saw a quiver on her lips and a sudden look of terror in her eyes; but both disappeared instantly and her features remained rigid and haughty.
"Mr. Sefton," she said icily, "I am a woman, alone in the world and, as you say, amid a hostile population; but my private affairs are my own."
There was no change in the Secretary's countenance; he was still bland, smiling, purring like a cat.
"Your private affairs, Miss Grayson," he said, "of course! None would think of questioning that statement. But how about affairs that are not private? There are certain public duties, owed by all of us in a time like this."
"You have searched my house," she said in the same cold tones; "you have exposed me to that indignity, and now I ask you to leave me alone."
"Miss Grayson," he said, "I would not trouble you, but the sight of gold, freshly coined gold like that and of so great a value, arouses my suspicions. It makes a question spring up in my mind, and that question is, how did you get it? Here is my friend, Captain Prescott; he, too, no doubt, is interested, or perhaps you know him already."
It was said so easily and carelessly that Prescott reproved himself when he feared a double meaning lurking under the Secretary's words. Nervousness or incaution on the part of Miss Grayson might betray much. But the look she turned upon Prescott was like that with which she had favoured the Secretary--chilly, uncompromising and hostile.
"But he was with the officer who searched your house," said the Secretary.
"A good reason why I should not know him."
"Captain Prescott," he said, "you are unfortunate. You do not seem to be on the road to Miss Grayson's favour."
"The lady does not know me, Mr. Sefton," said Prescott, "and it cannot be any question of either favour or disfavour."
The Secretary was now gazing at Miss Grayson, and Prescott used the chance to study his face. This casual but constant treading of the Secretary upon dangerous ground annoyed and alarmed him. How much did he know, if anything? Robert would rather be in the power of any other man than the one before him.