“Thank you.⁠ ⁠… You could⁠—ascertain nothing of his situation? He did not confide in you?”

“He was very reticent, sir. I think he is not unhappy.”

“And not⁠—embittered?”

“Certainly not that, sir.”

Mr. Warburton rose, plainly anxious to be gone.

Reluctantly Richard followed his example.

“You⁠—have nothing further to tell me of him?”

“I regret, sir⁠—nothing.”

Richard went slowly to the door, and opened it.

“You must allow me to thank you, sir, for your goodness in undertaking what I know must have been a painful task. I am very grateful.”