For more than an hour Claudia waited, and then she impatiently rang the bell. It brought Mrs. Murdock into the room.
"Has Katie been found yet?"
"Na, me leddy, not a bit of her. The servants are still seeking her."
"But this is very strange and alarming."
"It just is, me leddy. And I canna but fear that some ill has happened till her, puir soul!"
"I will go down and assist in the search," said Lady Vincent, rising anxiously.
"Na, me leddy, dinna gang, ye canna do ony good. The lasses are seeking in every nook and cranny in the house; and if she is biding in it they will find her. And the lads hae gone outside to seek in the grounds, whilk same is sune done; for the castle yard and grounds are nae that expansive, as your leddyship kens." "But I cannot sit here, waiting in idleness. It drives me half frantic! Who can say what may not have happened to poor Katie?"
"Nae, me leddy, dinna fash yo'sel'! She may e'en just ha' gone her ways over to Banff, or some gait, and may be back sune. I'll gae see if they ha' brought in ony news."
"Go, then, Mrs. Murdock, and let me know the instant you hear anything definite," said Claudia, sinking back in her chair.
Mrs. Murdock left the room, and another hour of suspense passed. And then, uncalled, the housekeeper came up again, and said: