He questioned himself with severity as he strode along the Half Moon Lane. Where had he been most at fault regarding the upbringing of Phyllis?
Probably his great mistake had been in sending her to that private highly-recommended boarding school at Brighton. There had been a scandal about one of the teachers, who had been much attached to Phyllis. The scandal had occurred just after Phyllis had left the school. It had resulted in the withdrawal of a number of pupils.
Yes, the Colonel decided, it was at this school that Phyllis had learned her coquetry.
But this affair with Philip Barrimore must certainly be put a stop to for every reason. His own love for Philip’s mother made the whole business ridiculous. Then again, Philip would be the most impossible husband for a flighty girl like Phyllis.
Certainly to-morrow he must go back to Hastings.
CHAPTER XXXII
UNCLE ROBERT IS EFFECTIVELY DAMPED
When Colonel Lane arrived at Hawk’s Nest, he found the place en fête. “Wings and Winds” had come out and there was a general jubilation.
A pile of dainty green volumes stood upon the dining-room table, and Uncle Robert was uncorking champagne.
Colonel Lane had not advised his friends of his coming, as he had a sort of Sherlock Holmes idea that he might make a discovery or two by coming without warning.
“Bravo!” shouted Uncle Robert, putting down the bottle, that he might grasp his friend’s hand. “This is a pleasant surprise; and you are just in time to join us in a glass to ‘Wings and Winds.’”