CHAPTER XXXIV
LE CONSEIL DE FAMILLE
'Checkley,' said Mr. Dering on Monday morning, 'here is a note from Miss Elsie Arundel. She makes an appointment with me at four o'clock this afternoon. Keep me free for that hour. Her brother Athelstan is coming with her.—What's the matter, man?'
'It's coming, then. I knew it would come,' Checkley groaned. 'It's all over at last.'
'What is all over?'
'Everything. But don't you believe it. Tell 'em it's a lie made up to screen themselves. They can't prove it. Nobody can prove it. I'll back you up. Only don't you believe it. Mind—it is a lie—a made-up lie.'
'I don't know what has been the matter with you for the last day or two, Checkley. What am I not to believe? What is a lie? Who is making up a lie which cannot be proved?'
'Oh! I can't say the word—I can't. It's all over at last—at last.' He ran out of the room and slammed the door behind him.