“You must have some tea first.”
“Tea! Yes, I suppose I must. It’s half-past six, and I may be out for some time. Don’t sit up for me, mother.”
“You expect me to go to bed before I have seen you safe, do you?”
“Well, perhaps not.” He hesitated for a moment. “But if I’ve time, I shall go round by Crampton, after I’ve arranged with the police and seen Hamper and Clarkson.” Their eyes met; they looked at each other intently for a minute. Then she asked:
“Why are you going round by Crampton?”
“To ask after Miss Hale.”
“I will send. Williams must take the water-bed she came to ask for. He shall inquire how she is.”
“I must go myself.”
“Not merely to ask how Miss Hale is?”
“No, not merely for that. I want to thank her for the way in which she stood between me and the mob.”