Harry had been disconcerted by the policeman's remarks, and showed that
it was so as soon as he was alone with Augustus Scarborough. "I'm afraid
you think the man intended to be impertinent," said Augustus.

"No doubt he did, but such men are allowed to be impertinent."

"He sees an enemy, of course, in every one who pretends to know more
than he knows himself,--or, indeed, in every one who does not. You said
something about having a reason of your own, and he at once connected
you with Mountjoy's disappearance. Such creatures are necessary, but
from the little I've seen of them I do not think that they make the best
companions in the world. I shall leave Mr. Prodgers to carry on his
business to the man who employs him,--namely, Mr. Tyrrwhit,--and I advise
you to do the same."

Soon after that Harry Annesley took his leave, but he could not divest
himself of an opinion that both the policeman and his host had thought
that he had some knowledge respecting the missing man. Augustus
Scarborough had said no word to that effect, but there had been a
something in his manner which had excited suspicion in Harry's mind. And
then Augustus had declared his purpose of offering his hand and fortune
to Florence Mountjoy. He to be suitor to Florence,--he, so soon after
Mountjoy had been banished from the scene! And why should he have been
told of it?--he, of whose love for the girl he could not but think that
Augustus Scarborough had been aware. Then, much perturbed in his mind,
he resolved, as he returned to his lodgings, that he would go down to
Cheltenham on the following day.