Reggie raised his eyebrows.
"Oh, nonsense," he said. "He wouldn't let you, anyhow. Sit down, Gerty, and talk."
"Oh, well," she said, "I suppose it's all right."
There was no need, however, for Mr. Davenport to go out, for before he came down again with thick boots, and rough clothes on, his wife had arrived.
Reggie sprang up and welcomed her with great eagerness and affection.
"Dear mother," he cried, "I am so glad you have come. Oh! how wet you are."
He led her to the fire, and poured out a cup of tea with almost feminine tenderness.
"I hope you and Gerty weren't anxious," she said.
"Oh, no," said Reggie, frankly, "not a bit. I knew it would be all right. But I'll run to tell father. He was going out with two men to look for you."