“But you can’t,” cried the lady of that house in dismay; “we are all coming up to you. Ah, Mr Leslie, how do you do?”
“Quite well,” said that personage quietly; and Madelaine felt Louise’s hand close upon hers spasmodically.
“Leslie! you here?” said George Vine eagerly.
“Yes; I came down from town in the same train.”
“Too proud to be seen with us, eh?” said Uncle Luke sarcastically, as there was a warm salute from the Van Heldres to one as great a stranger as the Vines.
“I thought it would be more delicate to let you come down alone,” said Leslie gravely.
George Vine had by this time got hold of the young man’s hand.
“My boy—Harry?” he whispered, “have you any news?”
“Yes,” was whispered back. “Let me set your mind at rest. He is safe.”
“But where? For Heaven’s sake, man, speak!” panted the trembling father as he clung to him.