Chris spoke solemnly. He was pleased at his mother's confidence in him. He vowed that she should not be disappointed in him.
Then he asked her:
"And what about Inez? Is she to come here when you're away?"
"I don't think you could prevent it," said Mrs. Inglefield, smiling. "She's a poor lonely little girl. If you get into any trouble, Chris, you have Mr. Wargrave close at hand."
"Oh," said Chris quickly, "we shall manage quite well alone, Mums! And if I hear from George Burke that he's in this part, may I ask him to tea?"
"Yes, dear, certainly. I may not be long away: I hope not."
George Burke was Chris's great chum at school. He was devoted to him, and was looking forward to seeing him in the holidays, as he was going to stay at an uncle's, about ten miles away.
Then Mrs. Inglefield had some last words with the other two children.
To Diana she said:
"Di, darling, you are so quick and clever with your pen. Will you write me a little scrap every day to tell me what you're all doing? Don't post every day. Every three days will be often enough, but write me a little diary. I shall love to read it, for I shall be thinking of you all so much!"