'I think so. I have sent an advertisement to the morning papers. I shall certainly counsel my son to surrender at once and throw himself on the mercy of the Court. My dear sir, I am exceedingly obliged to you for your kindness, your very great kindness in calling.'
'Oh, don't mention it,' said Mr. Tom, going to the door. And then he added, ruefully, 'Now I've got to go and hunt up my friend; and tell him that my own sister has jilted him. You've no idea what a treat that will be!'
CHAPTER XXIII.
AT LAST.
He found Frank King in the little room in Cleveland Row, alone, sitting before the fire, a shut book on the small table beside him.
'I've got bad news for you, King,' he said, bluntly. 'I wish it hadn't been my sister. But you know what women are. It's better to have nothing at all to do with them.'
'But what is it?' Frank King said, with some alarm on his face.
'Madge has bolted.'
'Madge has bolted?' the other repeated, staring at Mr. Tom in a bewildered sort of way.
'Yes. Gone and married that fellow Hanbury. This morning. I'm very sorry I have to come to you with a story like that about my own sister.'