All else forgotten, Kent tossed down the whisk broom and the next
instant he had clasped her hand in both of his, his eyes telling
more eloquently than his stumbling words, his joy at seeing her
again.

"This is a business call," she stated demurely, on you and Mr.
Rochester." Her lovely eyes held a glint of mischief as she
mentioned Kent's partner, then her expression grew serious. "I
want legal advice."

"I am afraid you will have to put up with me," Kent moved his chair
closer to the one she had selected by the desk. "Rochester is out
of town."

"What!" Barbara sat bolt upright. "Where - where's he gone?"

"I don't know "- Kent pulled Rochester's letter out of his pocket
and re-read it. "He did not mention where he was going."

Barbara stared at him; she had paled.

"When did Philip leave?"

"Last night, I presume." Kent tipped back his chair and pressed
a buzzer; a second later Sylvester appeared in the doorway.

"Did Mr. Rochester tell you where he was going?" he asked the clerk.

"No, sir. Mr. Rochester stated that you had his address.