Leo made his appearance, looking haggard and worried, and very much unlike his usual self. He seemed nervous on seeing Raston, and hurriedly approached him as though he expected to hear bad news. The events of the last few weeks had shaken Leo's nerves, and he was prepared for any calamity—even to hear that Pratt had been arrested. Something of the sort he expected to hear now.
"Hullo, Raston!" he cried, with an affectation of brightness. "What brings you here?"
"I am on my way to London," said Raston, shaking hands in a friendly fashion, "and I am staying here for the night, as I want to have a long talk with you."
"Very glad," replied Leo, mechanically. Then after a pause he raised his head. "There is no bad news, I trust?" he asked anxiously.
"By no means. My news is good."
"Then it cannot concern me," said Leo, bitterly. "No good news ever comes my way now. What is it?"
"I'll tell you after dinner."
"No; tell me now! I can't wait. I am so anxious and worried that my mind cannot bear suspense."
"You brood too much on things," said Raston. "However, the matter is very simple. Miss Tempest wants you to return at once to Colester."
"What for? Has her father discovered anything bad about me?"