“The rectory,” he said briefly; and walked there rapidly to ring and startle Joseph, who was just thinking of giving his final look round before going to bed.
“Some one badly, sir?” he said, as he admitted the doctor and gardener, jumping at the conclusion that his master was wanted at a sick person’s bedside.
“No. Have you seen Mr Vane since he left after lessons this morning?”
“No, sir.”
“Where is the rector?”
“In his study, sir.”
“And the young gentlemen?”
“Just gone up to bed, sir.”
“Show me into the study.”
Joseph obeyed, and the rector, who was seated with a big book before him, which he was not reading, jumped up in a startled way.