Every vestige of colour faded out of Laura's face as she recognized the junior partner of the banking-house.
"Something has happened to my father!" she cried.
"No, no, Miss Dunbar!" exclaimed Mr. Balderby, anxious to reassure her. "Your father has arrived in England safely, and is well, as I believe. He is staying at Winchester; and he has telegraphed to me to go to him there immediately."
"Something has happened, then?"
"Yes, but not to Mr. Dunbar individually; so far as I can make out by the telegraphic message. I was to come to you here, Miss Dunbar, to tell you not to expect your papa for some few days; and then I am to go on to Winchester, taking a lawyer with me."
"A lawyer!" exclaimed Laura.
"Yes, I am going to Lincoln's Inn immediately to Messrs. Walford and Walford, our own solicitors."
"Let Mr. Lovell go with you," cried Miss Dunbar; "he always acted as poor grandpapa's solicitor. Let him go with you."
"Yes, Mr. Balderby," exclaimed the young man, "I beg you to allow me to accompany you. I shall be very glad to be of service to Mr. Dunbar."
Mr. Balderby hesitated for a few moments.