"He has been living at a tavern in the Long Acre. I have made sure of that, and I wrote to him there. But he has not answered me. He does not answer me. I can't tell if he has gone away."
"Where is his father?" Mrs. Weston asked quickly.
"His father? Colonel Boyce? Oh, Weston! Colonel Boyce is his father, then?"
"Did you come to pry?" Mrs. Weston flushed.
"I do not deserve that," Alison said, and then very gently, "Oh, my dear, but I have been cruel enough to you."
"It's very well," Mrs. Weston said faintly. "Where is Colonel Boyce?"
"I know nothing. Does it matter, Weston, dear? He cannot help us to Harry."
"I am afraid of him. Oh, it's all wrong maybe. I am so weak and stupid.
But I am afraid what he may do with Harry."
"Indeed, I think Mr. Harry can keep his head even against Colonel Boyce,"
Alison smiled.
"His head?" Mrs. Weston looked puzzled. "I don't mean that, I believe. I am afraid he may win Harry to be like himself. He is so clever and dazzling, and he is full of wickedness. He cares for nothing but his own will and to have power. When I saw him so friendly with Harry I thought I should have died."