“I’m glad,” she said inconsequently. “I mean, I’m glad that you won’t be hurt even indirectly.”
“Do you intend putting in the advertisement?”
“I have already sent it to the paper,” she said. “Here is a copy.” She went to her writing-table and brought back a slip of paper and Tab read:
“Rex: What you ask is quite impossible. I shall never make any other reply.
U.”
“One does get that kind of letters,” she said, “and as a rule they are not worth while answering. Had I not known he was a friend of yours, I don’t think I should have taken the trouble—yes I would,” she nodded slowly. “Mr. Trasmere’s nephew has certain claims to refusal.”
“Poor old Rex,” said Tab softly. “I had a wireless from him this morning saying that he was enjoying the voyage.”
He took up his hat.
“As regards the other matter, Miss Ardfern,” he said, “you must tell me in your own time, if you wish to tell me at all. But you must understand that there is a very big chance that the police will trace you, in which case I may be of assistance. As matters stand, I am just a sympathetic observer.”
He held out his hand with a smile and she took it and held it in both of hers.