The last words of Lady Wyke, taken in conjunction with the last words of her father before he paid his visit to Sandal, alarmed Claudia exceedingly.
The high-spirited girl spent a miserable time alone before her father appeared on the scene. She employed a few minutes in wiring to Craver, saying that she wished him to call. In one way or another Claudia determined to have an explanation, so that she might know where she was. At present she did not.
Mr. Lemby made his appearance shortly before seven o'clock, and seemed to be in very good spirits. He asked for his dinner, declared that he felt better, and treated himself to a sherry and bitters so as to give zest to his meal. Then, the dinner having been cleared away, the two sat down to talk. Claudia began abruptly.
"Lady Wyke was here this afternoon," she said, hurling the bombshell at her father in the hope of startling him.
She failed to do so. "Yes, I know," he said, coolly. "I was wondering when you would tell me about the matter."
"I waited for you to speak first," said Claudia, rather annoyed. "You should have explained things to me long ago."
"I didn't think it was necessary," protested the pirate.
"Not necessary? Why, dad. Sir Hector wanted to marry me while he had a wife living, and for that reason postponed our marriage."
"I know, confound you," growled Lemby. "But Wyke didn't know that his wife was alive. If he had he would not have proposed to you. I suppose she told you all about the dashed thing?"
"She explained much, but not all. I think you might speak, dad."