foolish, and to believe that in England no possible harm could befall
one in Edith's position. It was with such thoughts, and the hope of
seeing Edith on the following day, that she retired for the night.

Her sleep was refreshing, and she did not awake till it was quite late.
On awaking and finding what time it was, she rose and dressed hastily.
Breakfast was served, and she began to look out for Edith.

Time passed, however, and Edith did not make her appearance. Miss
Plympton tried to account for the delay in every possible way, and
consoled herself as long as she could by the thought that she had been
very much fatigued; and had not risen until very late. But the hours
passed, and at length noon came without bringing any signs of her, and
Miss Plympton was unable any longer to repress her uneasiness. This
inaction grew intolerable, and she determined to set forth and see for
herself. Accordingly she had the carriage made ready, and in a short
time reached the park gate.

She had to ring for a long time before any one appeared; but at length,
after fully an hour's delay, the porter came. He touched his hat on
seeing her, but stood on the other side of the iron gateway without
opening it.

"Is Miss Dalton at the Hall?" asked Miss Plympton.

"Yes, mum."

"I wish to see her."

"Beg yer pardon, mum, but there be no callers allowed in."