Jack, hastily returning, almost collided with Pallister, who issued from the side-street.
"So we've lost your unique 'Belle Dame,' worse luck to us! And a precious couple we must look out here, with no hats, and smeared painting-blouses and...."
But the remaining words died away at the sight of Jack's expression of undisguised alarm.
"Pallister! You surely haven't left Geoff alone! How infamous! Oh, how could you?"
Without waiting for any answer he darted across the road and ran with all speed for the studio.
"It doesn't matter," declared Pallister, somewhat subdued, hurrying after him. "He's all right. What's the trouble?"
"Oh, don't speak to me! How could you leave him?" was the sole response.
"Well, you seem to forget you did it yourself, if it's such a crime," Pallister replied tartly.
"More blame to me! But I left him in your charge; you left him alone—surely that makes all the difference. Good gracious, though—whatever possessed me? You're as irresponsible as a child, and I knew it—I knew it!"
He turned into the garden, and in a minute was bounding upstairs, closely followed by the indignant Pallister.