"What I mean is — "
"I've done nothing about my family, if that is what you mean. I thought this was the best way."
"Very wise. Very wise." There he was again, being forced into the position of chorus. "I shall get in touch with Miss Ashby at once, and inform her of your visit."
"Tell her that I'm alive, yes."
"Yes. Quite so." Was the young man making fun of him? Surely not.
"Meanwhile you will go on living at this address?"
"Yes, I shall be there." The young man got up, again taking the initiative from him.
"If your credentials prove to be good," Mr. Sandal said with an attempt at severity, "I shall be the first to welcome you back to England and to your home. In spite of the fact that your desertion of it has caused deep grief to all concerned. I find it inexplicable that you should not have communicated with your people before now."
"Perhaps I liked being dead."
"Being dead!"