"Has he been long absent?"
"Not long, sir," replied the man who, through a fellow-servant, was enabled to give the information. "He left in great haste for the railway station to catch a train, I heard."
"For what place?"
"For Sevenoaks, sir."
Mr. Temple was aware that Seth's lynx eyes were upon him, and that it would give the common man an advantage if he exhibited surprise.
"Send Richards to me."
"Richards left the house with your son, sir."
Throughout his life Mr. Temple had proved himself equal to emergencies.
"You have nothing further to say to me, I presume," he said, addressing himself to Seth.
"Nothing that your own sense of honour and justice does not dictate," was the reply.