“Was Mr. Van with him?”
“Oh no—before, alone. All over the place.”
Mr. Longdon had a pause so rich in appeal that when he at last spoke his question was itself like an answer. “Mr. Van has been to see you?”
“Yes. I wrote and asked him.”
“Oh!” said Mr. Longdon.
“But don’t get up.” She raised her hand. “Don’t.”
“Why should I?” He had never budged.
“He was most kind; stayed half an hour and, when I told him you were coming, left a good message for you.”
Mr. Longdon appeared to wait for this tribute, which was not immediately produced. “What do you call a ‘good’ message?”
“I’m to make it all right with you.”