Full of this purpose, she went down to the gates. As she drew near, the
first sight of them sent a feeling of dismay to her heart. A change had
taken place. Something had been done during the night.

She drew nearer.

In a few moments she saw it all.

The gates had been boarded up during the night so that it was impossible
to see the road.

One look was enough. This last hope was destroyed. There was nothing to
be done here; and so, sick at heart, Edith turned back toward the Hall.

* * * * *




CHAPTER VIII.


MISS PLYMPTON BAFFLED.

Meanwhile Miss Plympton had been undergoing various phases of feeling,
alternating between anxiety and hope, and terminating in a resolution
which brought forth important results. On the departure of Edith she had
watched her till her carriage was out of sight, and then sadly and
reluctantly had given orders to drive back to Dalton. On arriving there
she put up at the inn, and though full of anxiety, she tried to wait as