He followed more leisurely, and passing through his daughter’s room went by the balcony to Evereld’s deserted chamber.
“The bed has been slept in,” he remarked in a tone of satisfaction, “she has not gone far.”
It did not occur to him that it had never been made on the previous day, that was just one of those small points of detail which would escape an ordinary man. Minnie instantly thought of it, but she held her tongue, and began hurriedly to see what clothes Evereld had taken with her.
“Her little travelling bag has gone,” she said, “and her hat and cloak. See, too, here is a letter just inside her portmanteau directed to you, Papa.”
Sir Matthew who began to look seriously disturbed tore open the letter and hastily read the following lines:—
“My Dear Sir Matthew:
“Nothing will induce me to marry Mr. Wylie, and as you insist on my accepting his proposal within the next two days, and refuse to pay any heed to what I say as to my future marriage with Ralph, you force me to act for myself. Please do not be anxious about my safety—I am going straight to friends who will take every care of me, and it will be useless to try to make me live again under your roof.
“If you make any attempt to force me back I shall put myself under the protection of the Lord Chancellor, and ask for a thorough investigation of my affairs. My love to Lady Mactavish and Minnie. I am sorry to vex you all, but you have left me no alternative.
“Yours affly,
“Evereld Ewart.”