well," grunted Butler, who was now walking up and down with his
hands behind his back. "But for Heaven's sake be quick about it. There's
no time to lose." He was thinking of Mrs. Butler. Cowperwood called the
servant, ordered his runabout, and told George to see that his private
office was not disturbed. Then, as Butler strolled to and fro in this,
to him, objectionable room, Cowperwood drove rapidly away.

Chapter XLVII

Although it was nearly eleven o'clock when he arrived at the Calligans',
Aileen was not yet in bed. In her bedroom upstairs she was confiding
to Mamie and Mrs. Calligan some of her social experiences when the bell
rang, and Mrs. Calligan went down and opened the door to Cowperwood.

"Miss Butler is here, I believe," he said. "Will you tell her that there
is some one here from her father?" Although Aileen had instructed that
her presence here was not to be divulged even to the members of her
family the force of Cowperwood's presence and the mention of Butler's
name cost Mrs. Calligan her presence of mind. "Wait a moment," she said;
"I'll see."

She stepped back, and Cowperwood promptly stepped in, taking off his hat
with the air of one who was satisfied that Aileen was there. "Say to her
that I only want to speak to her for a few moments," he called, as Mrs.
Calligan went up-stairs, raising his voice in the hope that Aileen might
hear. She did, and came down promptly. She was very much astonished
to think that he should come so soon, and fancied, in her vanity, that
there must be great excitement in her home. She would have greatly
grieved if there had not been.

The Calligans would have been pleased to hear, but Cowperwood was
cautious. As she came down the stairs he put his finger to his lips in
sign for silence, and said, "This is Miss Butler, I believe."

"Yes," replied Aileen, with a secret smile. Her one desire was to kiss
him. "What's the trouble darling?" she asked, softly.

"You'll have to go back, dear, I'm afraid," whispered Cowperwood.
"You'll have everything in a turmoil if you don't. Your mother doesn't
know yet, it seems, and your father is over at my place now, waiting for
you. It may be a good deal of help to me if you do. Let me tell you--"
He went off into a complete description of his conversation with Butler
and his own views in the matter. Aileen's expression changed from time
to time as the various phases of the matter were put before her; but,
persuaded by the cl