“Don’t say that.” In spite of himself Bransby’s voice shook.
“I mean it.” Latham’s voice came near shaking too, but professional training and instinct saved it. “Well?”
“This—this news I have just had—I must make a decision concerning it. It can’t cause me any further shock. As soon as I have dismissed it, and I will very soon, I give you my word, I’ll do precisely as you say.”
CHAPTER XI
“Here you are! I thought you were coming back to the billiard room, Daddy.”
As Helen Bransby came gayly in, her father threw Latham an appealing look, and shifted a little from the light.
Latham stepped between them. “So he was, Miss Bransby. Forgive me, I kept him.”
“Our side won, Daddy,” said the glad young voice.
“Did we, dear? Then old Hugh owes me a bob.” As the words left his lips, a sudden spasm of memory caught him. Helen saw nothing, but Latham took a quick half-step towards him.
“Are you and Dr. Latham having a confidential chat, Daddy?”