They went to the picture house and stayed for a time. The film was not remarkably exciting, but to sit in the dark by Ledward carried a thrill of intrigue for Evelyn. When they were in the street Ledward went towards the station.
“The hour you fixed is nearly up; but we might get some new magazines at the railway bookstall.”
He bought Evelyn one or two women’s magazines, and then a train arrived, and they waited to let the passengers go by. A big lamp was overhead, and not far off a gate opened to the road. By and by Evelyn turned rather quickly and Ledward looked round. Jasper Carson came along the platform.
Ledward calculated. The gate was six or seven yards off, but since the people steered for the main door, he and Evelyn, standing by the bookstall, were rather conspicuous. He gave Evelyn a careless glance and thought her disturbed, but she obviously waited for him. Ledward would sooner Carson had not got off the train.
“We’ll meet him; I don’t suppose he’ll keep us long,” he said, and they crossed the platform.
Jasper stopped and gave Evelyn a smile, and Ledward a nod.
“I thought you started soon after breakfast, Harry. Did the car bother you?”
“The car went very well, sir, and I got to Netherdale some time since. The evening was fine, you have kept me pretty busy, and I thought I’d like a run across the moors. Miss Haigh was willing to spend an hour at Hadriansford. We got tea and went to the pictures.”
“Exactly!” said Jasper. “Your explanation’s rather long. Were I young, I would feel Miss Haigh’s willingness was all I need state. But my train goes in a few minutes and I must telegraph Alan to send the car. I suppose he does not expect me until the morning?”
“I was not at Netherhall. You see, I stopped at Mrs. Haigh’s——”