He made her no reply, but looked earnestly in her face, as he moved slowly along the paved walk that led to the stables.
She waited a few moments, expecting he would reappear to give an account of himself and his adventures, but at length, growing impatient at his delay, she put down her work and went towards the rear of the house to find him.
The first person she met was her mother.

"Have you seen Thomas ?" she inquired.
"Thomas! He has gone to the river Trench." "No, he has returned--I saw him pass the window not fifteen minutes since." "Then he will be in presently." His sister, however, could not wait.

She proceeded to the stables, she searched in all directions.

No Thomas--no horse--no saddle.

She made inquiry of the domestics.