Perhaps Richard had taken his advice and was off to consult his superiors.

Mr.Hazlewood scanned his son's face eagerly but learnt nothing from it; and he was too wary to ask any questions.
"By all means, Richard," he said carelessly, "go to London! You will be back by next Friday, I suppose." "Oh yes, before that.

I shall stay at my own rooms, so if you want me you can send me a telegram." Dick Hazlewood had a small flat of his own in some Mansions at Westminster which had seen very little of him that summer.
"Thank you, Richard," said the old man.

"But I shall get on very well, and a few days change will no doubt do you good." Dick grinned at his father and went off that afternoon without a word of farewell to Stella Ballantyne.

Mr.Hazlewood stood in the hall and saw him go with a great relief at his heart.