"Yes?" Hermione said inquiringly.
"Mr. Haye has taken to putting that big bull of his in them meadows the last three days, Miss Rivers. And Miss Mittie's mortal afraid of cows. I don't know as he'd hurt anybody; they say he isn't so fierce as he looks. But he does run; and if Miss Mittie saw him coming, she might get a fright and tumble down somewhere."
This was a long speech for Slade to make. Hermione listened, with her pale face turned towards him.
"Yes—it might be something of that sort. I don't see how she—But we can find out. Don't say anything to anybody, Slade. You and I will go."
"Yes, Miss." Slade's manner showed none of his surprise.
"I must do something. I can't rest," said Hermione in a low voice. "Dinner is put off, is it not? There will be time. Besides—nothing matters. She must be found. Wait one moment, and I will come."
Slade obeyed, with only a look of sympathy. In two minutes Hermione appeared, wearing hat and ulster. Milton alone was told of their expedition. Hermione set off at such a pace that Slade could hardly keep up with her.
It was by this time quite dark, and many others were out searching. Even Harvey ventured a short distance, though very unfit for the exertion. Mrs. Trevor stayed indoors, with despairing tears and complaints.
Nobody seemed to have thought of the meadows behind the Rectory. Probably Marjory Fitzalan would have done so, but she and her father were absent still. Few knew so much as Marjory of Mittie's favourite resorts.
Slade had procured a lighted lantern during his two minutes of waiting, one used already in the search. But for its help they could hardly have followed the meadow-path.