The small luggage they had brought was always ready packed, for each had felt they might have to move in a hurry.
At the door Collins and Watson were already in the car, and Sinclair got in behind with none too good a grace.
They set off into the night at a rapid pace.
Old John came to the door in answer to their ring, and Collins got down, leaving the others in the car.
In a matter-of-fact voice he asked whether he could see Miss Watson—he would not come in, he had some friends in the car.
John said he would ask her to come. Whatever astonishment he felt he did not show. Warned by some premonition she could not master, Mabel came at once. She had just been going up to dress.
“How do you do, Mr. Collins?” she said. “John tells me you won’t come in.”
“I wanted to speak to you first,” he said. “Don’t be alarmed, I have your brother here with me. I brought him over from Wilton.”
She turned white and caught hold of the post of the door.