Sir Norman knocked loudly at the door, which was opened by the doctor himself.

Briefly and rapidly Sir Norman informed him how and where his services were required; and the doctor being always provided with everything necessary for such cases, set out with him immediately.

Fifteen minutes after leaving his own house, Sir Norman was back there again, and standing in his own chamber.

But a simultaneous exclamation of amazement and consternation broke from him and Ormiston, as on entering the room they found the bed empty, and the lady gone! A dead pause followed, during which the three looked blankly at the bed, and then at each other.

The scene, no doubt, would have been ludicrous enough to a third party; but neither of our trio could saw anything whatever to laugh at.