"Late for a vessel to be loading at a place like this where time's of no great importance." Copplestone offered no suggestion.

He was hotly impatient to reach the cottage, and as soon as the car drew up at its gate he burst out, bade the driver wait, and ran eagerly up to the path to Audrey, who opened the door as he advanced.

In another second he had both her hands in his own--and kept them there.
"You're all right ?" he demanded in tones which made clear to the girl how anxious he had been.

"There's nothing wrong--with you or your mother--personally, I mean?
You see, I didn't get your wire until this afternoon, and then I raced off as quick--" "I know," she said, responding a little to the pressure of his hands.

"I understand.