"The thing is just as I say," I answered, watching him closely.
He pretended to think, then he shook his head and replied:
"You must have jumped to a wrong conclusion altogether. The thing's monstrous. I expect she's just ordered the coachman to drive about the city a bit to show off her fine clothes, and is back by this time."
"You know her too well to think anything of the sort. She has a very clear knowledge of the dangers surrounding her."
"Then you shouldn't have taken her out of my control. And why do you come to me? The last time you were here you made quite a theatrical scene, after which you and I were to be strangers, I thought. Why, then, come to me now?"
"You have an even closer interest in this part of the plot than any one else. She is your promised wife; and it was my duty to acquaint you first with what had happened, and get your assistance in any search to be made."
"You're wonderfully mindful of your duty all of a sudden," he sneered, "Now that you've got us into this mess, you come whining to me to get you out of it."
"I've come out of no regard for you," I answered warmly.
"You've come quite as willingly as I welcome you. Believe that. And what do you want me to do?"
"You had better join with me in searching for her."