“No, no. Not at all. Just go into my office and make yourselves at home.”
Mrs. Goldring didn’t move. “Everett,” she asked, “where is Mabel?”
Belder said desperately, “I don’t know. I want to see her. I— You’re sure she isn’t home?”
“Of course I’m sure. We just/came from there.”
“Well, go on into my office and sit down. I’ll be with you in just a moment.”
“Have you any idea where she was going?” Mrs. Goldring asked.
“She had an appointment somewhere. I had her tyres checked and the car serviced. I’ll— Just go on in, please.”
“But, Everett, I must find Mabel. I came down from San Francisco especially to see her. She certainly must have received my message. I know she did. She told Carlotta I was coming.”
“Your message?” Belder repeated mechanically, sparring for time.
“I sent her a wire after I’d— Didn’t she tell you I was coming?”