When they parted that evening, he said,
"I'll write to you in a day or two probably. I think the proof I am going to give you has been accumulating during my absence. But I shall soon know."
Father Murchison was extremely puzzled as he sat on the top of the omnibus going homeward.
IV.
In two days' time he received a note from Guildea asking him to call, if possible, the same evening. This he was unable to do as he had an engagement to fulfil at some East End gathering. The following day was Sunday. He wrote saying he would come on the Monday, and got a wire shortly afterwards: "Yes, Monday come to dinner seven-thirty Guildea." At half-past seven he stood on the doorstep of Number 100.
Pitting let him in.
"Is the Professor quite well, Pitting?" the Father enquired as he took off his cloak.
"I believe so, sir. He has not made any complaint," the butler formally replied. "Will you come upstairs, sir?"
Guildea met them at the door of the library. He was very pale and sombre, and shook hands carelessly with his friend.
"Give us dinner," he said to Pitting.