to the office, still determinedly incredulous.

"Are Mrs. Lancaster and Miss Ercildoune not in?"

"No, sir; both out. Keys here,"--showing them. "Left for one of the
five-o'clock trains; rooms not given up; said they would be back in a
few days."

"From what depot did they leave?"

"Don't know, sir. They didn't go in the coach; had a carriage, or I
could tell you."

"But they left a note, perhaps,--or some message?"

"Nothing at all, sir; not a word, nor a scrap. Can I serve you in any
way further?"

"Thanks! not at all. Good evening."

"Good evening, sir."

That was all. What did it mean?--to vanish without a sign! an engagement
for the evening, and not a line left in explanation or excuse! It was
not like her. There must be something wrong, some mystery. He tormented
himself with a thousand fancies and fears over what, he confessed, was
probably a mere accident; wisely determined to do so no longer,--but
did, spite of such excellent resolutions and intent.

This took place on the evening of Saturday, the 13th of April, 1861. The