"No, I did not hear. I went away to the North of England."
"Oh, there were such stories. I suppose he threw away a fortune in London."
"Is he there now?" asked Dick.
"I don't know. I asked Mr. Bidlake, but he would tell me nothing. The last I heard was that he was forced into the army, and was killed."
"How long was that ago?"
"Several months now."
"And you've heard nothing since?"
"No, sir; nothing."
"Well, I will go now."
"But you'll stay for lunch? I'm not stinted in any way, and Mr. Bidlake sends me a liberal allowance for the expenses of the house. I can easily manage lunch, sir, and it would be such a joy to me."