“Why, you’re wet, Mr Leslie,” said the tall gentleman, shaking hands.
“Only sea-water, sir. It’s nothing.”
“But,” said the former speaker, looking quickly from one to the other, and his handsome thoughtful face seemed troubled, “has there been anything wrong?”
“Harry fell in,” said Louise, speaking rather quickly and excitedly; “and, Mr Leslie—”
“Ah!” ejaculated the tall gentleman excitedly.
“It was nothing, sir,” said Leslie hastily. “He swam in among the rocks—into a cave, and he was a long time gone, and I went after him; that’s all.”
“But, my dear boy, you must make haste and change your things.”
“I shall not be hurt, Mr Vine.”
“And—and—look here. Make haste and come on then to us. There will be a meal ready. It’s Harry’s last day at home.”
“Oh, thank you, Mr Vine; I don’t think I’ll come to-night.”