Violante, learned that she had left you. I implore you to tell me how or
wherefore. I have the right to ask: her father has promised me her
hand." Harley's falcon eye had brightened tip at Randal's entrance. It
watched steadily the young man's face. It was clouded for a moment by
his knitted brows at Randal's closing words; but he left it to Lady
Lansmere to reply and explain. This the countess did briefly.

Randal clasped his hands. "And has she not gone to her father's? Are
you sure of that?"

"Her father's servant has just come from Norwood."

"Oh, I am to blame for this! It is my rash suit, her fear of it, her
aversion! I see it all! "Randal's voice was hollow with remorse and
despair. "To save her from Peschiera, her father insisted on her
immediate marriage with myself. His orders were too abrupt, my own
wooing too unwelcome. I knew her high spirit; she has fled to escape
from me. But whither, if not to Norwood,--oh, whither? What other
friends has she, what relations?"

"You throw a new light on this mystery," said Lady Lansmere; "perhaps she
may have gone to her father's after all, and the servant may have
crossed, but missed her on the way. I will drive to Norwood at once."

"Do so,--do; but if she be not there, be careful not to alarm Riccabocca
with the news of her disappearance. Caution Giacomo not to do so. He
would only suspect Peschiera, and be hurried to some act of violence."

"Do not you, then, suspect Peschiera, Mr. Leslie?" asked Harley,
suddenly.