"She fainted after you came in, and he blamed me harshly; then I left them—it is a full half hour since, and they are together still."
The girl threw herself out of her father's arms and clung to Lady Phipps, with a new burst of weeping that her friend strove in vain to check. Sir William strode into the passage, and called in a voice which penetrated like a trumpet through the whole mansion—
"Norman Lovel! Norman Lovel!"
The youth heard the summons as he was following Barbara Stafford down the steps, and startled by its sternness hastened into the house. The governor met him in the hall, and seizing his hand drew him into the apartment where the weeping Elizabeth still clung to Lady Phipps.
"What is the meaning of this?" he said, sternly; "what have you done to this poor child, Norman Lovel?"
"Nothing, sir; I have not seen her for some time. Mistress Stafford fainted, Elizabeth came in for some water, and did not return."
"How long ago was that?"
"Fifteen minutes, mayhap."
"You see," whispered Lady Phipps; "he has lost all note of time. William, it frightens me—what can be done?"
"Are you angered with this maiden, Norman?" pursued Sir William.