Perkins, the butler, appeared almost immediately at the door.
"Come in, Nick," Mantell said cordially, while they mounted the broad, marble steps. "We may find Helen in the library, or——”
"Beg pardon, sir," said Perkins respectfully. "Mrs. Mantell has gone out."
Mantell turned quickly.
"Gone out!" he echoed. "Gone out with whom?"
"With your father, sir."
"With my father—nonsense!"
"But, sir, I am very sure of it."
"Impossible! When did she leave? How long ago?"
Perkins glanced at a tall old clock in the hall.