“He went to find Cyril,” she added.
Mrs. Colston looked up sharply; her husband started.
“If true, it’s a strong point in his favor,” Colston declared.
Gertrude still made no sign; but her father broke into an incredulous smile.
“An excellent motive! It’s a pity he didn’t mention it before he went! It would have carried more weight then!”
There was an awkward silence; and then Muriel said firmly:
“Still, that was why he went away.”
Jernyngham looked hard at her and made a gesture which suggested that the matter would not bear discussion. Then Colston began to talk to her, and he was glad when the meal was finished. Muriel waited until she found Gertrude alone in her room.
“You knew Mr. Prescott went to look for your brother, and yet you would not say a word,” she said.
“Ah!” exclaimed Gertrude sharply. “So you have seen him! You drove over this afternoon—one might have expected that.”