"Has there been some unexpected development affecting the estate?"
"I am sorry, sir, but you will see I can hardly answer any further questions."
Of course the clerk was right. Philip had hardly quitted the telephone when a note reached him by hand from Evelyn: "Please come at once. Must see you."
He was at Mount Street in three minutes.
Evelyn looked serious and began by holding out a letter to him. He recognized Lady Morland's writing.
"Philip—those people—who behaved so badly to your mother——"
"Have they dared to trouble you?"
"Oh, it is so sad. Your uncle is dying. They are wretchedly poor; an unforeseen collapse. See." And she read:
"Of your pity, Miss Atherley, ask your affianced husband to come to us, and to help us. I want nothing for myself, but the mere sight of a few checks to pay tradespeople, doctor and the rest will soothe Sir Philip's last hours. He is a proud man, and I know he is heartbroken to think he is dying a pauper among strangers."
So it ended as might be expected. Philip wired to Grange House, Scarsdale, to announce his coming. Accompanied by his valet, he left King's Cross at twelve o'clock, but his parting words to Evelyn were: