“Well, if you say so, of course I believe you! But the thing is people have begun to talk, and it ain’t pleasant! I thought I would warn you. Cliveden’s been saying that you’re mighty cool over the business, and there’s no denying that it’s queer, whichever way one looks at it! Naturally, if Gilly took you into his confidence there’s no reason why you should be worrying. But if he did not—” He paused, but Gideon only shook his head. “Well, if he did not, don’t you think he may have met with foul play?”
“No. I have a better opinion of Gilly’s ability to take care of himself.”
“But, Gideon, what should take him to go off like that?” objected Gaywood.
“Perhaps he found life a dead bore,” suggested Gideon.
“That’s a loud one!” remarked Gaywood scornfully. “Why the devil should a man with Sale’s fortune find life, a dead bore?”
“I think it conceivable that he might.”
“I know there never was such a fellow for being hipped,” agreed Gaywood, “but, dash it all, he is but this instant become engaged to my sister, and if you mean to tell me that that has cast him into despondency—”
“Oh, take a damper, Charlie!” recommended Gideon. “Gilly was never a gabster, and no doubt but that he has some very good reason for leaving town which he has not seen fit to divulge to any of us. For anything I know, he has gone to Bath, in a spirit of knight-errantry!”
“Well, I shall soon discover that,” said Gaywood. “I’m going there myself.” He hesitated, casting Gideon a sidelong look.
“Let me know the worst!” said Gideon.