As Jerry moved slowly away from the staircase, he met Montgomery Hawkes.
CHAPTER XVI
THE CHIEF EXECUTOR APPEARS UPON THE SCENE
"Why, how do you do, Sir Gerald?" and Hawkes went across quickly with outstretched hand.
"Hello, Hawkes," replied Jerry, too preoccupied to return the act of salutation. Instead, he nodded in the direction Peg had gone and questioned:
"What does she mean—going in a few minutes?"
"She is returning to America. Our term of guardianship is over."
"How's that?"
"She absolutely refuses to stay here any longer. My duties in regard to her, outside of the annual payment provided by her late uncle, end to-day," replied the lawyer.