Stanhope was in the parlor waiting to see him.
"She seems very much agitated," said Captain Putnam. "I am afraid something is wrong. Can you say what it is, Richard?"
"No, sir; excepting Dan Baxter or Josiah Crabtree may have been worrying them again."
"Do you mean to tell me that Baxter goes to their house?"
"He has been there several times to my knowledge. He's as sweet on Dora Stanhope as Josiah Crabtree is anxious over Mrs. Stanhope—and neither person deserves any encouragement."
"I thought the engagement between Mrs. Stanhope and Crabtree was off."
"It was—for the time being. But it seems Mr. Crabtree isn't going to give her up—he is too anxious to get hold of Dora's money," and with this remark Dick hurried to the parlor.
"Oh, Dick Rover!" cried Mrs. Stanhope, when he entered, "do tell me what has become of Dora."
"Dora!" he repeated in bewilderment. "I don't know, I am sure. Has she left home?"
"She hasn't been home since she answered your note yesterday afternoon."
"My note? I sent her no note."
"But I found it lying on the dining-room table
