But this was obviously not Mr. Harding's intention.
"I want you to go through the minutes and the accounts before the meeting," he said, in a quieter but decisive voice. "We will meet at the School at four. You will have plenty of time if you take the train. And meanwhile Mr. Malling and I will go on foot together as far as Cadogan Square."
Chichester stood for a moment staring into Mr. Harding's face, then he said, almost sulkily:
"Very well. Good-by."
He turned on his heel, and was lost in the throng near the station.
It seemed to Malling that an expression of relief overspread his companion's face.
"You don't mind my company for a little longer, I hope?" said the rector.
"I shall be glad to have it."
They set out on their walk to Cadogan Square. After two or three minutes of silence the rector remarked:
"You know Chichester well?"