"Mr. John Grayson. We have not met since we were both schoolboys. So, you see, I am a little puzzled."
"Fred—Fred Pangbourne, don't you know me?" cried Jack, springing forward and seizing both his hands.
"I—I could not have believed it!" Fred ejaculated, horror-stricken. "My poor Jack, what have they done with you?"
That question could not be answered in a breath. "How is your father? How is every one?" Jack queried, evading it.
"Ah! so you did not get our letters, and have heard nothing. My father went from us years ago. The rest of us are quite well. Now you are coming with me, right away, to Gladescourt."
"To where?"
"My Curacy. At present indeed I may call it my Rectory; since, in the Rector's absence, I live in his house. Where is your luggage?"
"In this handbag."
Fred looked surprised, but only said, "Let us come at once then."