“It is a long time now since he disappeared.”
“Went out,” said Saul, with a peculiar laugh.
“Have it that way if you like, Mr Harrington,” said the lawyer coldly—“went out; and has not returned.”
“Well, he is not a child, sir. George Harrington is a young man, full of life and energy; he has just come in for a large fortune, and we all know he likes to enjoy life. Besides, his ways have not been as ours. Those from the Far West do not study the conventionalities. He’ll soon settle down. Well?”
“Well, sir.”
“Is that all?”
“No, Mr Saul, that is not all. There are several little matters into which I will not enter.”
“But surely you have not fetched me back from Switzerland, sir, because my cousin has gone off somewhere on the spree?”
“There are very grave considerations in connection with this matter, Mr Saul,” said the old lawyer; “and I deemed it my duty, seeing how near a relative you are, to send for you back.”
“But surely you will explain; give some stronger reason for dragging me here?”