country (I didn't know it, but I assumed the knowledge for her
protection). She had told me she might be going (she had), and I didn't
think she'd be away for more than a day or two. I was pretty sure she'd
be back before he sailed.

I'd no reason, you see, to suppose she wouldn't be. Anyhow, I satisfied
him.

I marvel now at the ease with which I did it. But he was used to Viola's
casual behaviour; and the monstrous improbability of the thing she had
done this time was her cover. Who in the world would have dreamed that
she would go off with Jevons? I don't really know that I dreamed it
myself at the moment. I may be mixing up with my first vague dread the
certainty that came later. But sometimes I wonder why Reggie didn't
suspect _me_. I suppose my rectitude that had dished me with Viola saved
me with her brother.

He took me to lunch with him at his club, and went off quite happily
afterwards to the Army and Navy Stores to see about his kit.

I went straight to Jevons's rooms in Bernard Street. Jevons was away. Had
been away since Easter. His landlady couldn't give me his address. He
hadn't told them where he was going to, and they rather thought he was
abroad. His letters were all forwarded to his publishers. _They_ might
give me his address.

I went to his publishers. They wouldn't give me his address. They weren't
allowed to give addresses, but they would forward any letters to Mr.
Jevons. I said I was a friend of Mr. Jevons's. Could they at least tell
me whether he was or was not in England? They said that when they had