“How could you think Theria was in the house?” asked Dryas.
“She has not been here. She is nowhere here,” urged Melantho.
Again Nikander paused, confused. What had he said to the child? What harsh words? He had not meant them. Of course he had not meant them. But surely she had not gone forth from the house.
Melantho was bringing in old Medon who knew all who came and went.
“What is it? What?” asked the poor deaf man. “Yes, little mistress was here, but she went away—back to the Pythia House. Yesterday evening early. Very sad she looked, and staggered as she went.”
So at last they knew that Theria was abroad.
Nikander’s face hardened with bitter anxiety.
“Come, Dryas,” he said. “We must find her at once.”
Dryas turned to Eëtíon, “Dearest Eëtíon, you will help us?”