"Yes."

Malling went upstairs. Mr. Harding stood watching him from below till he
disappeared.




III


When Malling opened the door of the drawing-room Chichester was standing
by one of the windows, looking out into Onslow Gardens. He turned round,
saw Malling, and uttered an exclamation.

"You are here!"

His light tenor voice sounded almost denunciatory, as if he had a right
to demand an explanation of Malling's presence in Mr. Harding's house,
and as he came away quickly from the window, he repeated, with still more
emphasis:

"You are here!"

"Lunching--yes," replied Malling, imperturbably.

He looked at Chichester and smiled.

"You have no objection, I hope?"