“Tell George,” he continued, “that I consider he has lost his manliness in pinning himself to your apron till the happy day. He had far better join me out here for a good tramp. If he likes to alter his mind he can easily catch up to me, and I faithfully promise to send him bark in ample time for a certain event. Under the circumstances I shall probably not return till after you are married, so forgive my absence. I wish you every happiness.”
“Then that man has not joined him yet, my dear.”
“No, Mrs Hampton. Is it not very strange?”
“Very, my dear.”
“Why do you speak like that? It is as if you had some hidden meaning.”
“I only think that he did not go and join him.”
Gertrude looked at her rather curiously, and then said in an eager way:
“It would be easy to find out if he has joined him since.”
“By telegraphing. Are you going to do this?”
Gertrude shook her head.