hat will the world think?"

Not for the world cared I at that moment. I could think only of Lilian,
and without one suspicion that imputed blame to her.

"Be quiet, be silent; perhaps she has gone on some visit and will
return. Meanwhile, leave inquiry to me."

CHAPTER LV.

It seemed incredible that Lilian could wander far without being
observed. I soon ascertained that she had not gone away by the
railway--by any public conveyance--had hired no carriage; she must
therefore be still in the town, or have left it on foot. The greater
part of the day was consumed in unsuccessful inquiries, and faint hopes
that she would return; meanwhile the news of her disappearance had
spread: how could such news fail to do so?

An acquaintance of mine met me under the archway of Monks' Gate. He
wrung my hand and looked at me with great compassion.

"I fear," said he, "that we were all deceived in that young Margrave. He
seemed so well conducted, in spite of his lively manners. But--"

"But what?"

"Mrs. Ashleigh was, perhaps, imprudent to admit him into her house
so familiarly. He was certainly very handsome. Young ladies will be
romantic."

"How dare you, sir!" I cried, choked with rage. "And without any
colouring to so calumnious a suggestion! Margrave has not been in the
town for many days. No one knows even where he is."

"Oh, yes, it is known where he is. He wrote to order the effects which
he had left here to be sent to Penrith."

"When?"

"The letter arrived the day before yesterday. I happened to be calling
at the house where he last lodged, when at L----, the house opposite
Mrs. Ashleigh's garden. No doubt the servants in both houses gossip with
each other. Miss Ashleigh could scarcely fail to hear of Mr. Margrave's
address from her maid; and since servants will exchange gossip, they may
also convey letters. Pardon me, you know I am your friend."

"Not from the moment you breathe a word against my betrothed wife," said
I, fiercely.

I wrenched myself from the clasp of the man's hand, but his words still
rang in my ears. I mounted my horse; I rode into the adjoining suburbs,
the neighbouring villages; there, however, I learned nothing, till,
just at nightfall, in a hamlet about ten miles from L----, a labourer
declared he had seen a young lady dressed as I described, who passed
by him in a path through the fields a little before noon; that he was
surprised to see one so young, so well dressed, and a stran