know."

"Why," said Hilliard; "that meant, perhaps, that she wanted to
return a book before leaving London. Is there any chance that she
has gone home--to Dudley? Perhaps her father is ill, and she was
sent for."

Patty admitted this possibility, but with every sign of doubt.

"The landlady said she had a letter this morning."

"Did she? Then it may have been from Dudley. But you know her so
much better than I do. Of course, you mustn't tell me anything you
don't feel it right to speak of; still, did it occur to you that I
could be of any use?"

"No, I didn't think; I only came because I was so upset when I found
her gone. I knew you lived in Gower Place somewhere, and I thought
you might have seen her since Sunday."

"I have not. But surely you will hear from her very soon. You may
even get a letter tonight, or to-morrow morning."

Patty gave a little spring of hopefulness.

"Yes; a letter might come by the last post to-night. I'll go home at
once."

"And I will come with you," said Hilliard. "Then you can tell me
whether you have any news."