rning when
you bothered me into letting the girl stay? Fine things have come of it,
seure enough.'

'But we don't know that they're together.'

'But we do, I say, Mrs Prothero; or why should they go off together?
Fine things, indeed, for the gossips! Two 'lopements from one house. The
young hussy.'

Mrs Prothero could not help crying. To lose them both at once--a son and
one who had been better than a daughter to her--it was too sad--and to
feel so uncertain as to what would become of them!

Mr Prothero was resolved to take no notice of her tears, but hastily
swallowed his breakfast and went out. The servants did not need to be
asked about the fugitives. They were all sure that they had run away
together. Gladys, good and quiet as she seemed, was deep enough; and
they had managed so well that nobody had seen them! Not like Miss Netta,
who was so open! Many had seen her when she ran away!

Mrs Prothero sent one of the men off in a search for Lion, feeling sure
that if he were found, Gladys would be discovered.

At about eleven o'clock, to Mrs Prothero's great delight, Miss Gwynne
and Miss Hall called to see if the report about Owen and Gladys were
true, and to hear what Mrs Prothero thought of it. Miss Gwynne was
highly indignant.

'You cannot believe it, Mrs Prothero. That girl Gladys would no more run
away with any man living than I would. If Mr Prothero won't send after
her I will. Where is he?'

'Shall I send and tell him you want to speak to him?'

'By all means--directly.'

Mr Prothero was soon in the house again, at Miss Gwynne's bidding. He
looked more than usually red and excited.

'Mr Prothero, I would stake my life upon it, that girl has not gone off
with your son. I don't like the Irish, or their beggars more than you
do; but I am very fond of Gladys, and she shall not lose her character,
or die of starvation whilst I have a horse to send after her, or a
shilling to help her.'

'That's very well for you, Miss Gwynne, but Owen is no relation of
yours; and I don't cheuse him to marry an Irish beggar. This house is
bewitched, and my children are bewitched, all except Rowland.'

Miss Gwynne wondered what Mr Prothero would think of _him_ if he knew
all.

'Well, Mr Prothero, will you send after Gladys, or shall I? You needn't
have her back here. There is a situation of schoolmistress or lady's
maid for her at once. I will take her in either capacity.'

'Indeed, Mr Prothero,' said Miss Hall, 'I t