Nick drew forward in his chair, and Chick saw that he had caught up the
thread at that moment suggested to himself.
"Miss Page," said Nick, more impressively, "I now want you to answer me
without the slightest reserve."
"I will, sir," bowed Violet, with a startled look.
"Has any man of the late vaudeville company, or one connected with the
theater, endeavored to force his love upon you?"
"No, sir; not one."
"Or any visitor admitted to the stage?"
"Well--yes, sir," faltered Violet, quite timidly. "Since you press me
thus gravely, I must admit that I have been obliged to repel the
affection of a certain man. Yet, please don't infer, sir, that he has
ever been ungentlemanly. He even has done me the honor, if one can so
term an undesired proposal, to protest that he wished to make me his
wife."
"What is that man's name?" demanded Nick, quite bluntly.
Yet both Nick and Chick already anticipated it.
"Must I tell you his name, sir?" faltered Violet.
"You may do so confidentially, Miss Page."
"His name, sir, is Rufus Venner."
"One more question, Miss Page," cried Nick, quickly, "Was there any
member of the vaudeville company who knew of Venner's proposal?"
"I don't think so, sir.
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