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The Missing Bridegroom
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lines of his clean-shaven face showing the uneasiness and worry of the past twenty-four hours.

Madelyn was the first to speak. "Will you tell me candidly, Mr. Van Sutton, why you objected so persistently to your daughter's marriage?"

Our caller swung around in his chair as though a shot had been fired at his elbow. "What do you mean, young woman?"

Madelyn dropped her chin on to her hand and the fleeting twinkle I know so well flashed into her eyes. "Six months ago, you positively refused to consider Norris Endicott as your daughter's suitor. Three months ago he approached you again and you refused him a second time. It was only four weeks ago, that you gave your consent—a somewhat grudging one, if I must be plain—and the date of the wedding was fixed almost immediately."

Adolph Van Sutton stared across at Madelyn with widening eyes. The flush faded from his cheeks, leaving them a dull white.

"I employed you, Miss Mack, to trace Norris Endicott, not to burrow into my personal affairs!"

Madelyn stepped toward the door. "I will send in the bill for my services within the week, Mr. Van Sutton. Did you leave your hat in the hall?"

"Am I to understand that you are throwing up the case?"

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