Mr Sandys could not reply. His thoughts held him speechless. Elma had sacrificed herself to save him from ruin!
But where was Roddy Homfray? That was a problem which neither father nor daughter could solve.
Two days later Elma and her father went down to Farncombe Towers, Mr Sandys having already taken preliminary steps for the purpose of floating the Emerald Mines of Morocco. There were rumours in the City concerning it, and a great deal of interest was being taken in the scheme in very influential quarters.
Rex Rutherford had not before been to Farncombe, therefore he was now invited. Now that old Norton Homfray was dead he accepted, and spent most of the time rambling with Elma either in the gardens, the park, or the surrounding woods, though she did all in her power to avoid his loathsome caresses.
Elma, unknown to Rutherford, managed to call at the Rectory. On inquiring of Mrs Bentley regarding Roddy, the old woman explained that he had returned from abroad, slept one night there, and had gone out next day and had not come back. She knew that he had gone to Guildford, but that was all.
“And there’s been a young lady here wanting to see him, miss.”
“A young lady! Who?”
“She’s a Miss Manners.”
“Miss Manners!” Elma echoed. “Describe her.”
The woman did so, and Elma stood open-mouthed.