"By all means," said Mr. Stafford drily.
"Good-bye," said Isabel, casting about for a form of consolation, and evolving one which, in the circumstances, was possibly unique: "You'll feel better when you've had a bath."
"I'll walk down with you to Wanhope" said Val.
"You? Oh! no, don't bother," said Lawrence very curtly. "I can manage my cousin, thanks."
But Val's only reply was to open the door for him and stroll with him across the lawn. At the wicket gate Hyde turned: "Excuse my saying so, but I prefer to go alone."
"I'm not coming in at Wanhope. But I've ten words to say to you before you go there."
"Oh?" said Lawrence. He swung through leaving Val to follow or not as he liked.
"Stop, Hyde, you must listen. You're going into a house full of the materials for an explosion. You don't know your own danger."
"I dislike hints. What are you driving at?"
"Laura."