“I don’t think Kit bothers where he goes. So long as he starts, he’s satisfied,” Evelyn remarked.
“Oh, well,” said Kit, rather moodily, “if you’re resigned to go when you’re forced to go, it’s something.”
Mrs. Haigh gave him a keen glance, and began to talk, but Kit was quiet. The afternoon was hot and one got languid. Moreover, the post would soon arrive, and he was anxious.
By and by a servant carrying some letters crossed the grass, and Mrs. Carson gave Kit an envelope. He knew the company’s stamp, and when he pulled out the letter his hand shook. Then for a few moments he looked straight in front.
“Have the shipyard people called you back?” Ledward inquired, and picked up a slip of paper. “You dropped something; it looks like a check.”
“Thanks!” said Kit, and pushing the crumpled check into his pocket, turned to the others. “I’m not going back. The letter states the directors have no more use for me.”
Although his heart beat he was cool. He saw the blood come to Evelyn’s skin, and then she turned her head. Agatha’s glance was steady, and Kit knew her stanch. He thought Mrs. Haigh pondered; Mrs. Carson was frankly annoyed.
“You’re rather theatrical, Kit, but perhaps you’d like to tell us something more,” said Jasper, and beckoned Alan. “Let’s go for a smoke.”
They crossed the grass to another bench, and Kit leaned against a tree a few yards off. Alan awkwardly stuffed his pipe, and Kit saw he was disturbed. Jasper’s look was inscrutable, and he gave Kit a cigarette. Kit gave him the letter, and Jasper nodded.
“The secretary knows the rules. The company does not require your services and he encloses a check for a month’s pay! Well, the communication does not carry us very far.”