He shook his head.
“Or poor Mrs Van Heldre?” said his father.
“No; I thought it would worry them.”
“But you asked how Van Heldre was?”
“No,” said Harry, confusedly. “I—it seemed a pity to disturb them.”
“Come back and make amends,” said Vine rather sternly. “They must not think we desert them in their trouble.”
“But both you and Louise have been on this morning.”
“Yes, and would have stayed if it would have helped them,” said Vine. “Come.”
Harry hung back for a moment, and then, in the hope that he might be able to slip away from them, and search the office in Crampton’s absence, he went on by their side.
To the surprise of all, as they reached the house the door was opened by Crampton, who stood scowling in the doorway, and barred the way.