Even Blanche's estimate of her lover's capacity for sympathizing with her was more than realized by the effect which her narrative produced on Arnold.
He was not merely surprised and sorry for her.

His face showed plainly that he felt genuine concern and distress.

He had never stood higher in Blanche's opinion than he stood at that moment.
"What is to be done ?" he asked.

"How does Sir Patrick propose to find her ?" Blanche repeated Sir Patrick's instructions relating to the crossroads, and also to the serious necessity of pursuing the investigation in the strictest privacy.

Arnold (relieved from all fear of being sent back to Craig Fernie) undertook to do every thing that was asked of him, and promised to keep the secret from every body.
They went back to the house, and met with an icy welcome from Lady Lundie.