“I was there, but I didn’t come in,” said Manfred, seating himself. “You did not turn up till late, they tell me?”
“It was of all occurrences the most unfortunate,” said Dr. Oberzohn, and Newton laughed.
“I’ve lost his laboratory secretary and he hasn’t forgiven me,” he said almost jovially. “The girl he took on yesterday. Rather a stunner in the way of looks. She didn’t wish to go back to the country where she came from, so my sister offered to put her up for the night in Chester Square. I’m blessed if she didn’t lose herself at the dance, and we haven’t seen her since!”
“It was a terrible thing,” said Oberzohn sadly. “I regard her as in my charge. For her safety I am responsible. You, I trust, Mr. Newton——”
“I don’t think I should have another uneasy moment if I were you, doctor,” said Manfred easily. “The young lady is back at Heavytree Farm. I thought that would surprise you. And she is still there: that will surprise you more, if you have not already heard by telephone that your Old Guard failed dismally to—er—bring her back to work. I presume that was their object?”
“My old guard, Mr. Manfred?” Oberzohn shook his head in bewilderment. “This is beyond my comprehension.”
“Is your sister well?” asked Manfred blandly.
Newton shrugged his shoulders.
“She is naturally upset. And who wouldn’t be? Joan is a very tender-hearted girl.”
“She has been that way for years,” said Manfred offensively. “May I smoke?”