“No, that’s impossible, for he is on bail,” Lord Lynton replied.
“Bail would not prevent him from going. I think I ought to tell you——”
But Lady Mildred pulled her sister up sharply.
“We have no right to tell John’s secrets to any one. Perhaps we are worrying ourselves about nothing. There may be news in the morning,” she said hopefully, but there was no hope in her heart.
The morning came and the sisters breakfasted at an early hour. But there was no letter.
“Shall we call at the Carlton? Captain Drake was staying there,” Lady Ethel suggested, and they visited the hotel, only to find that he, too, had left on the previous evening.
“I believe that he has gone to the Congo,” Lady Mildred cried vehemently when they were once more in the car.
Next they visited Gaunt’s office in the city, where they were received by Mr. Foster, the secretary, who could give them no information.
“Mr. Gaunt has ceased to come here, my lady. In a couple of months’ time the office will be finally closed.”
“When did you last see Mr. Gaunt?” Lady Mildred asked eagerly.