"I have had to tell the child," he said to his father-in-law when they got back.
"I thought you had done so," returned the old gentleman with melancholy. "Perhaps it is as well. I have a feeling that you may be summoned even earlier than you think."
He was right. About seven o'clock that evening his son-in-law came to him in the library, an open missive in his hand.
"It is obvious that you possess the gift of second-sight, sir," he said, with a rather forced gaiety. "It has come, as you predicted, earlier than I expected."
"What, the summons already!" exclaimed Mr. Elphinstone, starting from his chair.
René nodded. "I must go immediately—to-night, directly I can get my valise packed. It is almost in readiness," he added.
"But why so suddenly?"
"I look to you, sir, with your gift of prophecy, to tell me that," said René, with a smile. "There is no reason given; but I must be at Southampton to-morrow afternoon."
"You will have time for supper?" queried the old man, his hand on the bell-pull.
It was a sad, hurried little meal on which Janet Elphinstone and her deerhound looked down. Neither of the men spoke much, or ate much either. At last the Marquis, looking at his watch, got up.