“Yes.”
“On the principle that two and two make four, I suppose we may conclude that my co-trustee is on toast at present,” said the tutor.
“And further, that that co-trustee being somebody’s father, you are the man to get him off it.”
The tutor’s face clouded, and his glass dropped with a twang from his eye.
“Don’t make that mistake again, Brandram—unless,” and here his lips relaxed into a quiet smile, “you mean by somebody, Miss Jill.”
Dr Brandram read a good deal in this short sentence, and, like a good friend, let the subject drop.
“As Tom has gone to the Rectory to dinner,” said the tutor, “I take it the neighbourhood for twenty miles round will know of my return by this time. Meanwhile I must go back and possibly find out some thing from Oliphant himself.”
Captain Oliphant, however, was in no mood for confidences. The sudden return of his co-trustee was extremely unwelcome at this juncture—indeed so manifestly unwelcome that Mr Armstrong was convinced he had come back not a day too soon.
The captain professed great annoyance and indignation at what he termed the desertion of his ward, and demanded to know when the tutor proposed to return to his duties.
“In fact, sir,” said he, “I desire to know what brings you here in this uncalled-for manner.”