Foul Play
Page 16
CHAPTER XVI.
As some eggs have actually two yolks, so Arthur Wardlaw had two hearts;and, at sight of Helen's father, the baser one ceased to beat for awhile.
He ran to General Rolleston, shook him warmly by the hand, and welcomedhim to England with sparkling eyes.
It is pleasant to be so welcomed, and the stately soldier returned hisgrasp in kind.
"Is Helen with you, sir?" said Wardlaw, making a movement to go to thedoor; for he thought she must be outside in the cab.
"No, she is not," said General Rolleston.
"There, now," said Arthur, "that cruel father of mine has broken hispromise and carried her off to Elmtrees!"
At this moment Wardlaw senior returned, to tell Arthur he had been justtoo late to meet the Rollestons. "Oh, here he is!" said he; and therewere fresh greetings.
"Well, but," said Arthur, "where is Helen!"
"I think it is I who ought to ask that question," said Rolleston,gravely. "I telegraphed you at Elmtrees, thinking of course she wouldcome with you to meet me at the station. It does not much matter, a fewhours; but her not coming makes me uneasy, for her health was decliningwhen she left me. How is my child, Mr. Wardlaw? Pray tell me the truth."
Both the Wardlaws looked at one another, and at General Rolleston, andthe elder Wardlaw said there was certainly some misunderstanding here."We fully believed that your daughter was coming home with you in the_Shannon."_
"Come home with me? Why, of course not. She sailed three weeks before me.Good Heavens! Has she not arrived?"
"No," replied old Wardlaw, "we have neither seen nor heard of her."
"Why, what ship did she sail in?" said Arthur.
"In the _Proserpine."_