— XXXIII —MR. LUDLOW SPEAKS OUT
On the morning of the first of January, Mr. Smithers went to London by the train which left Birchester at half-past eleven. He told his wife that he had business in town which would probably prevent his returning until the following day. She knew that during their absence abroad arrears of business had accumulated which required his attention. A man in his position cannot take a prolonged holiday with complete impunity. And although, for some cause, which she could not have adequately explained even to herself, reluctant enough to let him go, she acquiesced in his departure. She accompanied him in the dogcart to the station; saw the train start, with him in it; then turned to leave the platform. As she moved towards the entrance someone took off his hat to
