When she re-entered Reilly rose and stretched out his hand, expressing regret that he had an appointment in the City.
“I won’t take Dr. Pickering away from you, Miss Drummond,” he laughed mischievously. “You are one of our rivals in this treasure-hunt, but perhaps you both can arrange to combine forces—eh?”
She laughed in chorus, and although she pressed him to remain I saw that at heart she was glad when he had taken leave of us. Every woman likes to be alone with her lover.
“Well, Dorothy,” I said, as she came back again, smiling, to my side, and allowed me to kiss her sweet lips, “and why have you fled from Bringhurst like this? Tell me the whole truth.”
“By Mr. Purvis’ orders. After leaving you I returned to the farm, half an hour before he got back. Then he told me I was to pack and return to London by the morning train. I have not seen him since.”
“You are unaware of the reason he wished you to leave Bringhurst?”
“Quite. After I had gone to bed I heard Bennett’s voice, but they went out together late, and I heard no more of them.”
“Bennett is not your friend?” I suggested, watching her the while.
Her eyes lit up in an instant.
“My friend!” she cried. “Bennett my friend! No, Paul, he is my worst and most bitter enemy.”