Meanwhile there was also great confusion at Astmer House. On the summons to dinner Leslie was found missing.
"Dear me" exclaimed Mrs. Woodcock jumping up and knocking over a soup tureen "Albert go and look for your cousin."
"Oh he is alright" answered Albert "there is no need to fuss."
"Yes there is you heartless boy, go and look for my son at once."
"Oh bother" said Albert flinging down his book.
"Dont snap" said Mrs. Woodcock as Albert dashed furiously out of the room.
He returned within 1/4 of an hour to say he could find no traces of Leslie except his tooth-brush in the back garden and a pocket handkerchief on the stairs.
"Oh I hope he is not lost" cried Mrs. Woodcock "my dear son, where can he be?"
"Oh but you have me" said Albert with a faint smile.
"What do I care for you?" said Mrs. Woodcock bitterly.