Supper that night was a gloomy affair in the Pierce household . Nancy couldn't help thinking back to the engagement party, when the house had seemed so joyful . What a contrast ! Too bad Bess hadn't gotten to see then .

Charles Pierce didn't even come downstairs to join them . Eventually Jarvis the butler came in to say that Mr. Pierce was feeling tired after his long session with Mr. Bishop that afternoon and was going to have dinner in his room .

Turning to Nancy and Bess, Jarvis told them that Mr. Pierce had requested that they stay the night, and "conduct their business" first thing in the morning, before breakfast .

Nancy looked at Bess, whose eyes were bright with eager anticipation . "All right," Nancy told Jarvis . "We'll call our parents, but I'm sure it won't be a problem ."

"Yes !" Bess whispered under her breath .

"Mr. Pierce wishes to see all of you at breakfast," Jarvis told the family members before departing . "There is something he'd like to announce ."

With that, he headed for the kitchen, leaving a heavy feeling of dread behind . Ominous, Nancy thought . Even dangerous . Everyone was sneaking silent glances at everyone else . Nila tried making a few casual remarks about the weather, but nobody replied . Not even Philip .

As soon as the meal was over, Nila said she wanted to check on Charles . The mood did not improve after she left . The rest of them sat around for another half hour, quietly eating dessert . Then Eleanor and Cecilia excused themselves, saying they were tired and wanted to get to bed early .

When they had gone, Philip turned to the others, and to Nancy's surprise, smiled mischievously . "Well," he said, "I...