The supposition was that they returned to London, but this was merely surmise; there was no direct proof of them having done so.
For some time after this the matter remained in abeyance, and the anxiety of the bereaved nobleman increased as the weeks flew by.
He proceeded up to town, and waited upon Mr. Chicknell at his chambers, Paper-buildings, Temple.
“Can nothing more be done in the matter?” he inquired of the lawyer.
“I fear not, my lord. Certainly not at present,” answered his legal adviser.
“Surely, Mr. Chicknell, you do not intend giving over making further inquiries. The case is a most serious one as far as I am individually concerned, and we must not let the matter rest. I do not care what expense is incurred, but you must do your best to clear up the mystery,” said Lord Ethalwood.
“We appear to have come to a dead lock, but that is no reason for our abandoning the search as hopeless,” returned his companion. “Mr. Wrench, of Scotland-yard, has had the case in hand, and has striven as hard as any man possibly could have done to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion. I think the best plan will be for him to wait upon you at Broxbridge, and you can then hear what he has to say. You will find him a most intelligent officer.”
“I wish you would communicate with him at once, then.”
“He is not in town this week, but the moment he comes back I will convey to him your expressed wish, and he will hasten at once to Broxbridge.”
“I shall be anxiously awaiting his appearance,” said the earl, who took his leave, and returned to his country seat.