"How
utterly splendid! Thank heaven!"
"Yes. Thank heaven," Austin acquiesced gravely. "I forgot to mention to
you that Lord Overton knows Dick personally," he added, after a pause.
"They met at my house the last time Dick was in London."
"This _is_ good news," said Viviette. "At last I can give him a birthday
present worth having."
"He will not be here for his birthday," said Austin, in cold, even
tones. "He must catch the mail to-night."
Viviette echoed: "To-night?"
"And in all probability he will sail for Vancouver in a day or two. It
won't be worth his while to come back here."
She laid a hand on her heart, which fluttered painfully.
"Then--then--we'll never see him again?"
"Probably not."
"I didn't think it would be so sudden," she said, a little wildly.
"Neither did I. But it's for the best."
"But supposing he wants some time to look about him?"
"I'll see to everything," said Austin.
"Anyhow, I must be the first to tell him," said Viviette.
"You will do me a very great favour if you will let me have that
privilege," said Austin.
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