"His visits are frequent," I remarked. "As to their object——"
"I don't think we need discuss that—you and I, Mr. Austin."
"I was only going to say that we could neither of us do more than guess at it."
For a moment he lost his self-control. "I hope to Heaven my guess is wrong—that's all," he said hotly.
Surprised out of reserve, he leaned forward toward me, with a sudden look of eagerness in his eyes. "I should like to know what you mean by that—if you're at liberty to tell me."
"I'd sooner not. It would come better from your son, I think."
"I prefer not to talk to my son about the matter just now. I might wrong him. I have many worries just now—business and others—and I don't trust myself to discuss it with him with all the calmness which I should desire."
"I'm afraid I can do no more than venture to advise you not to come to any conclusion prematurely."
He broke out again; it was evident that he was living under a strain which taxed his endurance sorely. "But Amyas is always there! And she——!"
The sound of Alison's voice came from the hall. "Hush! They're just coming back. You must wait and see."