The truth is, Mr.Bowmore's own language and conduct were insensibly producing the salutary impression on Percy's mind which Bervie had vainly tried to convey, under the disadvantage of having Charlotte's influence against him.

Throughout the journey, Percy did exactly what Bervie had once entreated him to do--he kept Mr.Bowmore at a distance.
At every stage, they inquired after the fugitives.

At every stage, they were answered by a more or less intelligible description of Bervie and Charlotte, and of the lady who accompanied them.

No disguise had been attempted; no person had in any case been bribed to conceal the truth.
When the first tumult of his emotions had in some degree subsided, this strange circumstance associated itself in Percy's mind with the equally unaccountable conduct of Justice Bervie, on his arrival at the manor house.
The old gentleman met his visitor in the hall, without expressing, and apparently without feeling, any indignation at his son's conduct.

It was even useless to appeal to him for information.