“Doorbells!” said Dennison with gentle mockery. “Jane, you’re always starting up when you hear one. Still hanging on? It isn’t Cunningham’s willingness to fulfill his promise; it’s his ability I doubt. A thousand and one things may upset his plans.”
“I know. But, win or lose, he was to let me know.”
“The poor devil! I never dared say so to Father, but when I learned that Cunningham meant no harm to you I began to boost for him. I like to see a man win against huge odds, and that’s what he has been up against.”
“Denny, I’ve never asked before; I’ve been a little afraid to, but did you see Flint when the crew left?”
“I honestly didn’t notice; I was so interested in the disreputable old hooker that was to take them off.”
She sighed. Fragments of that night were always recurring in her dreams. 279
The door opened and the ancient butler entered. His glance roved until it caught the little tuft of iron-gray hair that protruded above the rim of the chair by the fire. Noiselessly he crossed the room.
“Beg pardon, sir,” he said, “but a van arrived a few minutes ago with a number of packing cases. The men said they were for you, sir. The cases are in the lower hall. Any orders, sir?”
Cleigh rose.
“Cases? Benson, did you say—cases?”