"You know her?" he asked.
"No. But Stretton mentioned her to me in a letter. She has sent you to me in fulfilment of a promise. I understand."
The words were not very intelligible to Warrisden. He knew nothing of Pamela's promise to Tony Stretton. But, on the other hand, he saw that Mr. Chase was giving a more attentive ear to what he said. He betrayed no ignorance of the promise.
"I am sent to fetch Stretton home," he said. "I want you to tell me where he is."
Chase shook his head.
"No," he said gently.
"It is absolutely necessary that Stretton should come back," Warrisden declared with great deliberation. And with no less deliberation Chase replied--
"In Stretton's view it is absolutely necessary that he should stay away!"
"His father is dying."
Chase started forward in his chair, and stared at Warrisden for a long time.