At length, after an absence of four or five weeks, Dudleigh returned.
Edith had tried hard not to hope, so as to be prepared for a
disappointment; but after all, in spite of her efforts, she could not
help hoping. She put great confidence in Dudleigh's energy and
perseverance, and thought that he would be able not only to find out
where Sir Lionel might be, but even to see him, and make him acquainted
with her situation. He had already done so much for her that it seemed
quite possible for him to do this. As the days passed by she found
herself looking forward to his return as the time of her certain
deliverance, until at length hope grew into confidence, and the idea of
disappointment was completely driven away.

At last he came, and his first appearance put to flight all her hopes,
and filled her with a nameless terror. He looked dejected and weary. He
asked after her health, and whether she had been in any way molested;
after which Edith entreated him to tell her the worst.

"For you bring bad news," said she--"I see it in your face. Tell me the
worst."

Dudleigh mournfully shook his head.

"You have not found him, then?"

"No."

"But you must have heard something about him. He is at least alive, is
he not?"

"I don't know even that."