In three minutes he was at the Hall and, as it chanced, met Sir John by the front door.
"Hullo, Reverend! How are you?
You look very wet and miserable; taking refuge from the rain, I suppose, though it is clearing off now.

Have a brandy and soda, or a glass of port ?" "Thank you, Sir John, I am an abstainer, but a cup of hot tea would be welcome." "Tea--ah! yes, but that takes time to make, so I should have to leave you to drink it by yourself.

Fact is I want to find my daughter.

Some of those blessed guests of mine, including Mounteroy, the young Earl, you know, whom I wish her to meet particularly, are coming down to-night by the last train and not to-morrow, so I must get everything arranged in a hurry.

Can't make out where the girl has gone." "I think I can tell you, Sir John," said Mr.Knight with a sickly smile; "at least I saw her a little while ago rather peculiarly engaged." "Where, and how was she engaged ?" Without asking permission Mr.Knight entered the house and stepped into a cloak-room that opened out of the hall.