“Mary is in trouble,” she said; “Arthur left home last week and has not been heard of since then.”
“Oh,” cried Herbert impulsively, going up and taking her hands. “I am very, very sorry to hear this, and if I can assist you in any way you need only command me.”
Her only reply was to weep quietly. Mrs. Harkins took her in her arms and soothed her with motherly kindness. Herbert felt quite awkward at this scene. First he stood on one foot and then on the other. Finally for want of something to say he exclaimed:
“You can rest assured that I have no feelings of resentment toward your father or Arthur. I was angry with them, very angry; but I am not vindictive.”
He did not add that the fact that she was the daughter of one and the sister of the other caused him to utter such a generous sentiment.
“Have you any idea where Arthur has gone?” he asked a moment later.
“No,” she replied; “that is what makes it so distressing. If it were not for the uncertainty we might feel resigned.”
“Did anyone go with him?”
“We are not sure, but he was seen with Harry Adler just before he left.”
“Oh!” exclaimed Herbert. “Then it’s ten to one he has gone to New York. Adler has a perfect mania for that place.”