"Let Pratt rest in his fancied
security. The thing is, certainly, to go back. But--to what point?"
"That we must consider later," said Eldrick. "Now--for the present, Miss
Mallathorpe,--you are, I suppose, going back home?"
"Yes, at once," answered Nesta. "I have my car at the _Crown Hotel_."
"I should just like to know something," continued Eldrick again, looking
at Collingwood as if for approval. "That is--Mrs. Mallathorpe's present
disposition towards affairs in general and Pratt in particular. Miss
Mallathorpe!--just do something which I will now suggest to you. When
you reach home, see your mother--she is still, I understand, an invalid,
though evidently able to transact business. Just approach her gently and
kindly, and tell her that you are a little--should we say
uncomfortable?--about certain business arrangements which you hear she
has made with Mr. Pratt, and ask her, if she won't talk them over with
you, and give you her full confidence. It's now half-past twelve,"
continued Eldrick, looking at his watch. "You'll be home before lunch.
See your mother early in the afternoon, and then telephone, briefly, the
result to me, here, at four o'clock. Then--Mr. Collingwood and I will
have a consultation."
He motioned Collingwood to remain where he was, and himself saw Nesta
down to the street. When he came back to his room he shook his head at
the young barrister.
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