The Herons were not very much surprised at Ida's flight, but though
John and his wife and daughter were anything but sorry to get rid of
her, they were rather uncomfortable, and Joseph, who was in the
doldrums after his drinking-fit, did not make them more comfortable by
assuring them that he was perfectly certain she had committed suicide.
He and his father set out to look for her, but, as Ida had left no clue
behind, they could find no trace of her, though they procured the
assistance of Scotland Yard, and inserted guarded advertisements in the
newspapers. John Heron comforted himself with the reflection that she
could have come to no harm or they would have heard of it; and at last
it occurred to him, when nearly a fortnight had elapsed, that she might
have returned to Herondale, probably to the care of Mr. Wordley, and
that he had been too indignant to acquaint the Herons with the fact.
"I think I had better run down to Herondale, Maria, and ascertain if
the erring and desperate girl has returned there," he said, one morning
after prayers. "Seeing that she left my roof in so unseemly a fashion,
with no word of regret or repentance, I do not consider that she has
any further claim upon me; but I have a tender heart, and on this
occasion I will be generous before I am just."
"I am sure she has no further claim upon us," said Mrs. Heron, with a
sniff, "and I hope you will make it plain, John, that on no account can
we take her back. We have been put to considerable trouble and expense,
and I really think that her going without any fuss is quite
providential."
At this moment there came a double knock at the door, and the servant
announced that Mr. Wordley was in the drawing-room. Mr. and Mrs. Heron
exchanged glances, and both of them turned rather pale; for John Heron
had a very vivid recollection of Mr. Wordley's frank and candid manner
of expressing himself. But he had to be faced, and the pair went down
into the drawing-room with a long-suffering expression on their faces.
Mr. Wordley, however, appeared to be quite cheerful. He shook hands
with both of them, and enquired after their health and that of their
family quite amiably and pleasantly.
"Most delightful weather, isn't it?" he remarked. "Quite pleasant
travelling. You have a remarkably--or--convenient house, Mrs. Heron:
charming suburb: will no doubt be quite gay and fashionable when it
is--er--more fully developed. You are looking well, Mr. Heron."