Little as he knew Mills, and little cause as he had for liking him, he too, like Mr.Taynton, felt vaguely anxious and perturbed, since "disappearances" are necessarily hedged about with mystery and wondering.

His own anger and hatred, too, like mists drawn up and dispersed by the sun of love that had dawned on him, had altogether vanished; the attempt against him had, as it turned out, been so futile, and he genuinely wished to have some assurance of the safety of the man, the thought of whom had so blackened his soul only twenty-four hours ago.
His errands took Martin the best part of an hour, and he returned with two notes, one for Mrs.Assheton, the other for Morris.

He had been also to the flat and inquired, but there was no news of the missing man.
Morris opened his note, which was from Mr.Taynton.
"Dear Morris, "I am delighted that your mother and you can dine to-morrow, and I am telegraphing first thing in the morning to see if Miss Madge will make our fourth.

I feel sure that when she knows what my little party is, she will come.
"I have been twice round to see if my partner has returned, and find no news of him.

It is idle to deny that I am getting anxious, as I cannot conceive what has happened.