“An ordinary sort of fellow, but harmless, I believe,” Sir Bertram pronounced.
“There were moments when I thought otherwise, but on the whole I am inclined to agree with you,” Henry conceded, after a moment’s reflection.
Gregory’s thoughts were too confused for speech. He watched the car until it became a speck in the distance. Then he turned away and followed the others into the house.
CHAPTER V
The afternoon was still young when Mr. Johnson passed through the park gates of Ballaston Hall and drove slowly down the village street on his way back to the Great House. He studied the sign-post which marked the road to Norwich and hesitated. At that moment a young woman stepped out of the grocer’s shop and, recognising him, nodded in spiritless fashion. Mr. Johnson fancied that he caught an almost wistful expression as she glanced critically at his car. He drew up by the side of the cobbled pavement.
“Good afternoon, Miss Besant,” he said.
“Good afternoon,” she rejoined, looking up as though surprised.
“I thought of motoring in to Norwich,” he confided. “I wonder whether you would care to come? It will take three quarters of an hour to an hour and I need not stay there for many minutes.”
“It sounds delightful,” she admitted, “but I am afraid that it is quite impossible. Madame is very restless to-day and I am quite sure that she would not allow it.”
“You might ask her,” he suggested.