Every one seemed to be more or less responsible for her; but neither wonder nor anything else gave them the least clew as to whither or why she had gone.

After a few day's earnest discussion and inquiry the excitement died away, when a wonderful event revived it.

It was no other than the arrival of the new Earl of Mountdean in search of his little girl.
This time the visitor did not take any pains to conceal his title.

He drove to the "Castle Arms," and from there went at once to the doctor's house.

He found it closed and empty.