In fact, both the magistrate and the doctor strongly suspected Tabitha, but as the evidence was certainly not against her, they could do nothing in the premises.
They left the chamber, and went down into the crimson drawing-room, which had been the scene of so many of the investigations, to consult with the others upon the best means of searching for and recapturing the fugitive.
They remained long in consultation before it occurred to them to summon one who might be supposed to take the deepest interest in the matter. Then Mr. Humphreys said:
“Had not Mr. Montrose better be requested to give us his company and counsel in this affair?”
“Certainly,” replied Doctor Watkins, ringing the bell.
“Give my respects to Mr. Montrose, and say that we should be pleased to see him here,” said the doctor to the footman who answered the bell.
The servant withdrew, but presently returned with the news.
“Mr. Montrose has not yet risen, sir.”
“Lazy fellow, and it is nearly twelve o’clock,” said the doctor, dismissing that matter from his mind, and resuming the business with the magistrates.
The form of a placard was drawn up, offering a reward for the apprehension of Eudora Leaton, and this was ordered to be immediately printed and posted all over the country. The police were sent out in every direction to prosecute the search; and when these measures for the apprehension of the fugitive had been taken, the doctor ordered in breakfast, and sat down with the magistrate and solicitor to partake of it. And while they were thus engaged, Malcolm Montrose, who had returned home unobserved, quietly entered the dining-room, and bade them good morning.