“I must ask you to excuse me for a few days, Mrs Ingleton. I have just received news which render a journey necessary.”
“Indeed!” said Captain Oliphant, looking up from his papers. “I am afraid, Mr Armstrong, we must ask you to postpone it, as there are a good many business matters of importance to be gone into, which will require the attention of all the trustees. It is an inconvenient time to seek for leave of absence.”
The tutor’s mouth stiffened ominously.
“You take unnecessary interest in my affairs, sir. I shall be at your service on my return. Mrs Ingleton, I am sorry for this interruption in Roger’s studies. It shall be as brief as I can make it.”
“Oh, of course, Mr Armstrong,” said the lady, “I hope it is nothing serious. We shall be glad to have you back to consult about things; that is all Captain Oliphant means, I’m sure.”
The tutor bowed.
“I really hope,” said Captain Oliphant blandly, “Mr Armstrong will appreciate my desire to cooperate harmoniously in the sacred trust laid upon us all by the dying wish of our dear friend.”
“I have no wish to do anything else, sir,” said the tutor shortly, “if you will allow me. Good-bye, Mrs Ingleton.”
Roger was a good deal concerned to notice the grim cloud on his friend’s face, when he returned for a moment to his room for his bag. He knew him too well to ask questions, but made up for his silence by the warmth of his farewell.
“Come back soon, Armstrong; it will be awfully slow while you’re away. Let’s carry your bag down-stairs.”