“But you knew about Mr. Miller’s business deal, didn’t you?”

“Only because he told me,” Persephone insisted.

“And that business deal involved your father, Persephone. That’s quite a coincidence.”

“I don’t know anything about it,” she cried. “I should go. I didn’t mean to bother you.”

She was on her feet, but Elizabeth rose, too. “Madame Ophelia often predicts that her clients are going to meet someone who will help them make a lot of money.”

Persephone tried a laugh but it came out like a croak. “Love and money. That’s why people consult the spirits.”

“But why would one of the clients happen to meet your father?” Elizabeth asked, then widened her eyes again. “Or do they all happen to meet your father? Do they all give your father money to invest?”

“No, of course not,” she tried, near panic now. “I’m sorry I came. I really must go now.” She headed for the door.

“If I ask Madame Ophelia, what will she say?” Elizabeth called after her, but she was gone, slamming out the front door as if the hounds of hell were on her heels.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Cybil hadn’t expected to hear from Mr. Waterson so soon, but she still wasn’t surprised to find him on her doorstep on Tuesday morning. “Good morning,” she managed. “Did we arrange to meet today and I’ve forgotten?”

He smiled his usually charming smile, although it looked a bit strained this morning. “We did not, and I hope you will forgive me for calling on you at this early hour, but I wanted to catch you before you left for school.”

“You just did. Miss Goodnight and I like to arrive at the college early in case students want to speak with us, but I’m sure I can give you a few minutes if it’s urgent.”

“I’m afraid it is.”

“Then come in, won’t you?”

She ushered him into the parlor, which was still a bit disordered after the salon last night. Cybil would be so happy when this was over so Elizabeth and the others could begin attending the salons again. She really missed them.

Zelda came down the stairs and saw him. “Mr. Waterson, what a surprise. I hope nothing is wrong.”

He was still on his feet because Cybil hadn’t sat down yet. He gave Zelda a rueful grin. “Things did not go as I hoped with the gentleman who is selling the house.”

“I can’t believe he found another buyer,” Zelda said.

“I have come to understand that he is more interested in being a nuisance than in selling the house, but that may just be my interpretation. In any event, he told me if I didn’t come up with the funds, in cash, today, he would never sell me the house under any circumstances.”

“How dreadful,” Zelda said with apparent sympathy.