The Imp sat up straight and stared.
"I shall wire to our house; the maid's there, and she'll have things ready."
"What are you going to town for?"
"To see this Lord Southend. You must come with me."
"I? Oh, I can't possibly. And your father——?"
"He must stay here. You must come. Run back and pack a bag; you won't want much. I shall go just as I am." With a gesture she indicated the plain black frock she wore. "Oh, I can't be bothered with packing! What does that matter? I'll call for you in the carriage at seven. We mustn't miss the train."
Mina gasped. This was Tristram indeed; the wild resolve was announced in tones calmer than any that Cecily had achieved during the interview. Mina began to think that all the family must have this way of being peculiar in ordinary things, but quite at home when there was an opportunity of doing anything unusual.
"I just feel I must go. If anything's done at all, it'll be done in London, not here."
"How long do you mean to stay?"
"I can't possibly tell. Till something's done. Go now, Mina, or you'll be late."