He paused. Daniel, in the background, was grimacing and shaking his head.
“As soon as what, John?” asked Gertrude.
“As soon as—as soon as I could. You're glad I came, aren't you; even if it was rather sudden?”
“Of course I am. You know it.”
Her tone was hearty enough, and yet Mr. Doane seemed to find something lacking in it. Serena, too, looked quickly at her daughter.
“Of course she's glad,” she declared. “So are we all. But what are we thinking of? Take off your things. Where's your trunk? Have the man bring it right in.”
“There isn't any trunk. There's a bag outside there, that's all. My visit is likely to be a very short one. If I should have a wire that Mr. Griffin was worse it might be shorter still. I should have to go at once. But we won't worry about that. Dinner? No, thank you, I have dined.”
Captain Dan ushered the newcomer into the drawing-room. John exclaimed at the grandeur of the apartment.
“Whew!” he whistled. “You're fine, aren't you? Gertie wrote me how grand you were and I have been anxious to see the new house. Gertie—why, Gertie! what is it?”
Gertrude was standing in the doorway. She looked perplexed and troubled. John noticed, for the first time, that she was wearing her coat and hat.