CHAPTER XXVII
Two days later, on the 4th of September, Charmian had got rid of Claude as well as of old Jernington, and, in a condition of expectation that was tinged agreeably with triumph, was awaiting the arrival of important visitors. She had received a telegram from Lake:
"Have got him into the Chateaux country going on to Orange hope on hope ever—Alston."
And she knew that the fateful motor would inevitably find its way to the quay at Marseilles.
She had had no difficulty in persuading Claude to go. When Jernington had departed Claude felt as if a strong prop had suddenly been knocked from under him, as if he might collapse. He could not work. Yet he felt as if in the little house which had seen his work he could not rest.
"Go away," Charmian said to him. "Take a couple of weeks' complete holiday."
"Where shall we go?"
"But I am not going."
He looked surprised. But she noticed that he did not look displeased. Nevertheless, thinking of the future and remembering Alston Lake's advice, she continued: