Harley did not seem to notice it.

"Now, Mr. Leslie, what do you advise next?"

"I am at a loss. Ah, perhaps, afraid of her father, knowing how despotic
is his belief in paternal rights, and how tenacious he is of his word
once passed, as it has been to me, she may have resolved to take refuge
in the country, perhaps at the Casino, or at Mrs. Dale's, or Mrs.
Hazeldean's. I will hasten to inquire at the coach-office. Meanwhile,
you--"

"Never mind me, Mr. Leslie. Do what you think best. But, if your
surmises be just, you must have been a very rude wooer to the high-born
lady you aspired to win."

"Not so; but perhaps an unwelcome one. If she has indeed fled from me,
need I say that my suit will be withdrawn at once? I am not a selfish
lover, Lord L'Estrange."

"Nor I a vindictive man. Yet, could I discover who has conspired against
this lady, a guest under my father's roof, I would crush him into the
mire as easily as I set my foot upon this glove. Good-day to you, Mr.
Leslie."

Randal stood still for a few moments as Harley strided on; then his lip
sneered as it muttered, "Insolent! But does he love her? If so, I am
avenged already."

CHAPTER VII.

Harley went straight to Peschiera's hotel. He was told that the count
had walked out with Mr. Frank Hazeldean and some other gentlemen who had
breakfasted with him. He had left word, in case any one called, that he
had gone to Tattersall's to look at some horses that were for sale. To
Tattersall's went Harley. The count was in the yard leaning against a
pillar, and surrounded by fashionable friends. Lord L'Estrange paused,
and, with an heroic effort at self-mastery, repressed his rage. "I may
lose all if I show that I suspect him; and yet I must insult and fight
him rather than leave his movements free. Ah, is that young Hazeldean?
A thought strikes me!" Frank was standing apart from the group round the
count, and looking very absent and very sad. Harley touched him on the
shoulder, and drew him aside unobserved by the count.

"Mr. Hazeldean, your uncle Egerton is my dearest friend. Will you be a
friend to me? I want you."

"My Lord--"

"Follow me. Do not let Count Peschiera see us talking together."

Harley quitted the yard, and entered St. James's Park by the little
gate close by. In a very few words he informed Frank of Violante's
disappearance and of his reasons for suspecting the count. Frank's first
sentiment was that of indignant disbelief that