“My health is excellent,” he replied sturdily. “Of course I am beginning to feel my years a little, but one must expect to do that after—eh—er—sixty. C'est la vie.”
He made a little movement of the hands.
“No,” he went on, “the sooner you go the better.”
“I do not like leaving you,” persisted Jack.
Sir John laughed rather testily.
“That is rather absurd,” he said; “I am accustomed to being left. I have always lived alone. You will do me a favour if you will go now and take your passage out to Africa.”
“Now—this evening?”
“Yes—at once. These offices close about half-past six, I believe. You will just have time to do it before dinner.”
Jack rose and went towards the door. He went slowly, almost reluctantly.
“Do not trouble about me,” said Sir John, “I am accustomed to being left.”