Mr. Taverner assented, and walked with him in silence to the inn. They went into the tap-room. The Captain called for a bottle of wine, and led the way to one of the tables against the wall. “I can really tell you nothing that you do not already know,” he said. “It is a most unaccountable business, but if there has been foul play I will back Worth to bring it home to the proper quarter.”
“Lord Worth suspects there has been foul play, then?”
“Well, what can one think?” said Captain Audley. “Does it not bear all the appearance of it?”
“Yes,” replied Mr. Taverner. “I think it does, Captain Audley.”
“Do not breathe as much to Miss Taverner, however. She is already suffering great anxiety, you know.”
“It is not to be wondered at. Her situation is wretched indeed!”
The Captain glanced at him under drooping eyelids. “You must not think that she is forgotten because Worth has left Brighton,” he said. “I have the intention of escorting her to London on Thursday if nothing should be heard of Peregrine in the meantime.”
“Escorting her to London! For what purpose? What good can she do there?” exclaimed Mr. Taverner.
“As to that, none, I suppose, but you will find that she wishes to go. It is very understandable, after all.”
“Understandable, yes, but I am surprised at Lord Worth’s allowing it.”