ng-room, which were also connected by communicating doors within.

Lady Belgrade rapped and called at each in succession, but in vain. There
was no response.

"She has fainted in her room! That is what has happened! This day of
fatigue and excitement has been too much for her, in the delicate state
of her health. Every one noticed how ill she looked when she came up
stairs. Margaret, there is a back door, you are aware, leading from your
lady's bath-room down to the flower garden. Go around and go up the back
stairs and see if that door is open--if so, enter the rooms by it and
open this," said her ladyship, never ceasing, while she talked, to rap
at and shake the door at which she stood.

Margaret flew to obey, and made such good haste, that in about two
minutes she was heard within the rooms hurrying to open the closed door.
In two seconds bolts were withdrawn, keys turned, and the door was
opened.

"How is she?" quickly demanded the dowager, as she stepped into the
dressing-room.

"My lady, I haven't seen her grace. If you please, perhaps she is in her
chamber," replied the maid.

Lady Belgrade bustled into the bed-room, looking all around for the
bride, then into the boudoir, calling on her name.

"Salome! Salome, my dear! Where are you?" No answer; all in the luxurious
rooms still and silent as the grave.

"This is very strange! She _may_ be in the garden," said her
ladyship, passing quickly into the bath-room, and descending the stairs
that led directly into a small flower-garden enclosed by high walls.

The garden was now dead and sear in the late October frost. No sign of
the missing girl was there.

"This is very strange! Can she have gone down into the drawing-room,
after all? I will see. There is no possibility of catching the tidal
train now. It is already three o'clock; the train leaves London Bridge
Station at three thirty, and it is a good hour's ride from Kensington!"
said Lady Belgrade, speaking more to herself than to her attendant, as
she came out of the rooms.

"Shall I go through the house and inquire if any one has seen her grace,
my lady?" respectfully suggested Margaret.

"Yes; but first shut and lock that garden door of your lady's bath-room.
It is not safe to leave it open," replied Lady Belgrade, as she again
descended the stairs.

As she entered the drawing-room, the young Duke of Hereward came to meet
her.

"I hope nothing is the matter. Salome was not looking strong this