She may have had some monetary trouble, and so have desired to keep her whereabouts a secret; but some one or other will know.

If she is in the world I will find her.

How foolish I am to be so terribly frightened! If the child is living what have I to fear ?" But, though his words were brave and courageous, his hands trembled, and the rector saw signs of great agitation.

He rang for wine, but Lord Mountdean could not take it--he could do nothing until he had found his child.
In few words he told the rector the story of his marriage.
"I thought," he said, "that I could not do better for the little one than leave her here in the doctor's care." "You were right," returned the rector; "the poor doctor's love for the child was talked about everywhere.

As for Margaret Dornham, I do not think, if she had been her own, she could have loved her better.
Whatever else may have gone wrong, take my word for it, there was no lack of love for the child; she could not have been better cared for--of that I am quite sure." "I am glad to hear you say so; that is some comfort.