‘I am obliged to you.’
This ungraciously, but with a slight movement of the head, which might be called half a nod.
‘You can bear it in mind. Had I known that you would be finished to-day, I should have arranged for our harvest-home gathering to take place this evening. I am sure that would have gratified Miss Heathcote and my son.’
Another half-nod, and Caleb moved away.
The gong sounded. Mr Hadleigh gave his arm to Madge, and led her towards the house.
As they entered the hall, they were met by the butler.
‘Do you know where Mr Philip is, sir?’ asked the man nervously. ‘Dinner is quite ready, and he is not in the house; and nobody has seen him since he started for town this morning.’
The butler’s anxiety was equally divided between the danger of having the dinner spoiled and the question as to what had become of Philip.
‘Have you sent to his room?’
‘I have been there myself, sir. His things are all lying ready for him; but he is nowhere about.’