After service was over, Sir Matthew joined him in the Close, greeting him just as if nothing had happened.
“Did you telegraph to the Herefords?” he asked.
“Yes, but as yet there is no reply,” said Ralph.
“And I have not heard back from Dresden. We shall both hear this afternoon. Come and dine with me at eight o’clock and you shall hear the result.”
“Thank you,” said Ralph. “But we leave for Nottingham by the eight ten.”
“Come to lunch now then.”
But to sit down and eat with the man who had wrought such havoc in his life and had driven Evereld to take such a desperate step was more than Ralph could endure. He excused himself, promising, however, to come round at six o’clock to the hotel and report any news he might receive from Ireland. His face when he arrived was not reassuring; he looked pale and miserable.
“What news?” said Sir Matthew eagerly.
“None,” said Ralph, handing the telegram to his godfather. The words struck a chill to Sir Matthew’s heart.
“Know nothing about her at all. Imagined she was in Switzerland still with her guardian.”