'Yes, I saw him.'
'And—he strove to persuade you that he had some motive which justified his conduct?'
'Excused, rather than justified.'
'Not—it seems—to your satisfaction?'
'I can't answer that question, father. My experience of life is too slight. I can only say that untruthfulness in itself is abhorrent to me, and that I could never try to make it seem a light thing.'
'That, surely, is a sound view, think as we may on speculative points. But allow me one more question, Sidwell. Does it seem to you that I have no choice but to break off all communication with Mr Peak?'
It was the course dictated by his own wish, she knew. And what could be gained by any middle way between hearty goodwill and complete repudiation? Time—time alone must work out the problem.
'Yes, I think you have no choice,' she answered.
'Then I must make inquiries—see if he leaves the town.'
'Mr. Lilywhite will know, probably.'