‘Didn’t see him at all, missy; and I thought maybe as I’d better bring that back.’ The note he gave her was her own.
‘But I told you to wait.’
‘Weren’t no sort ov use, missy. Gentleman’s gone away bag and baggage; and they say at the King’s Head he ain’t a-coming back no more.’
‘Did he leave no address?’
‘No what, missy?’
‘The name of any place where letters could be sent to him.’
‘O yes. I saw father: he drove him to the station, and the gentleman’s gone to London.’
This was all the information young Jerry had been able to obtain, and he regarded it as quite satisfactory. To Madge, it was disappointing; but only in so far that it delayed the completion of her mission for a few days. It was certainly strange that Mr Beecham should take his departure so suddenly without leaving any message for her; but she had no doubt that the post would bring her one.
So, now, she settled herself down to wait for Philip, and to make him glad when he came, with her news that his father had given his consent to the reconciliation.
But Philip did not visit Willowmere that night.