"Mater, dear," he said; "I found this gentleman in a rose-bed enquiring the way to our lodge. He's come all the way from dear old London just to see you. Mr. Hawkes—my mother."
Mrs. Chichester looked at Hawkes anxiously.
"You have come to see me?"
"On a very important and a very private family matter," replied Hawkes, gravely. "IMPORTANT? PRIVATE?" asked Mrs. Chichester in surprise.
"We're the family, Mr. Hawkes," ventured Alaric, helpfully.
Mrs. Chichester's forebodings came uppermost. After the news of the bank's failure nothing would surprise her now in the way of calamity. What could this grave, dignified-looking man want with them? Her eyes filled.
"Is it BAD news?" she faltered.
"Oh, dear, no," answered Mr. Hawkes, genially.
"Well—is it GOOD news?" queried Alaric.
"In a measure," said the lawyer.