“Nothing of the kind. Only he might try to follow us to see where we went, and that wouldn’t be convenient.”
“Do you propose to hurt him?”
“Not a hair of his head! I promise you.”
“Are you going to try on him the effect of a little reasoning? You certainly have, beyond other men, the persuasive manner. You might induce him to see things in a proper light. If you think it necessary, you can try.”
Her words reminded me of what old Morley had said. I thought the sarcasm was a little hard. I winced.
“There is one other thing, Miss Moore. How many servants have you in the house?”
“One at present. The cook is out.”
“Could you send that one out on an errand which would detain her, say, an hour. We don’t want her to know that we left the house together—or indeed anything.”
“You have an eye for details. I perceive that I’m entering on another adventure. If you will take a stroll for a quarter of an hour, when you return you will find her gone. I shall have my hat and coat on, and some things in a bag.”
“Good. When you are ready, go out as softly as you can, without coming in here, and without taking any notice of me at all. Leave your bag in the passage; I’ll carry it. Go into the Fulham Road, and stroll towards Walham Green. I’ll come to you as soon as I’m able.”