decorous household that the young lady had informed her she was going to
visit some friends that morning, and had no doubt gone through the garden
gate, since it was found open; the way was more quiet there than by the
high-road, and her friends might have therefore walked to meet her by the
lane. Lady Lansmere observed that her only surprise was that Violante
had gone earlier than she had expected. Having said this with a
composure that compelled belief, Lady Lansmere ordered the carriage, and,
taking Giacomo with her, drove at once to consult her son.

Harley's quick intellect had scarcely recovered from the shock upon his
emotions before Randal Leslie was announced. "Ah," said Lady Lansmere,
"Mr. Leslie may know something. He came to her yesterday with a note
from her father. Pray let him enter."

The Austrian prince approached Harley. "I will wait in the next room,"
he whispered. "You may want me if you have cause to suspect Peschiera in
all this."

Lady Lansmere was pleased with the prince's delicacy, and, glancing at
Leonard, said, "Perhaps you, too, sir, may kindly aid us, if you would
retire with the prince. Mr. Leslie may be disinclined to speak of
affairs like these, except to Harley and myself."

"True, madam, but beware of Mr. Leslie."

As the door at one end of the room closed on the prince and Leonard,
Randal entered at the other, seemingly much agitated.

"I have just been to your house, Lady Lansmere. I heard you were here;
pardon me if I have followed you. I have called at Knightsbridge to see