Coming to his own neighbourhood, he did not go straight to the studio, but turned aside to the Spences' house. He had no intention of letting his friends know of Cecily's visit, but he wished to ask whether they had any news of Elgar. No one was at home, however.
The next morning, when surprised by the appearance of Elgar himself, he was on the point of again going to the Spences'. The interview over, he met forth, and found Eleanor alone. She had just learnt from Miriam what news Reuben had brought, and on Mallard's entrance she at once repeated this to him.
"I knew it," replied the artist. "The fellow has been with me."
"He ventured to come? Before or after his coming here?"
"After. I think," he added carelessly, "that Mrs. Baske suggested it to him."
"Possibly. I know nothing of what passed between them."
"Do you think Mrs. Baske has any idea on the subject?" Mallard inquired, again without special insistence.
"She spoke rather mysteriously," Eleanor replied. "When I said that Mrs. Lessingham probably could explain it, she said she thought not, but gave no reasons."
"Why should she be mysterious?"
"That is more than I can tell you. Mystery rather lies in her character, I fancy."