But just as Captain Fennel turned out of the Place Ronde to the Rue Tessin, he came upon Charles Palliser, strolling along.
“Fine day, Mr. Charles,” he remarked graciously.
“Capital,” assented Charles, “and I’m glad of it; the old gentleman will have a good passage. I’ve just seen him off by the eleven train.”
“Seems to me you spend your time in seeing people off by trains. Which old gentleman is it now?—him from below?”
Charley laughed. “It’s Griffin this time,” said he. “Being feeble, I thought I might be of use in starting him, and went up.”
“Griffin!” exclaimed Captain Fennel. “Why, where’s he gone to?”
“To Calais. En route for Dover and——”
“What’s he gone for? When’s he coming back?” interrupted the captain, speaking like a man in great amazement.
“He is not coming back at all; he has gone for good,” said Charley. “His daughter came to fetch him.”
“Why on earth should she do that?”