We parted with mutual expressions of good will. I said, "I expect I shall have to come often to you for help."
"I expect you to," he said earnestly. "I want you to. Myself and my establishment are at your service. Let no question of expense hamper you."
I found later that he really meant this. I was, however, very reluctant to draw on him.
When I saw Miss Hamerton the next day I asked her a question or two concerning Mr. Alfred Mount with the object of finding out if he were really such an old friend as he made out.
"I have always known him," she said simply. "That I happen to buy things from him is merely incidental. He was a friend of my father's and he is a very good friend to me. He has proved it more than once."
I was tempted to ask: "Then why were you so reluctant to take him into your confidence?" But I reflected that since she had already refused to tell me, I had better keep my mouth shut, and find out otherwise.
"Mr. Mount asked if we had notified the police," I said, merely to see how she would take it.
I regretted it. Her expression of pain and terror went to my heart. She was no longer the remote and lovely goddess, but only a suffering woman.
"Oh, you did not, you have not?" she stammered.
"Certainly not," I said quickly. "I knew you didn't wish it."