"I thank fortune for this! Now you have really started on your wedding tour in the belief of all London, and all outside of London who take the Times; and all our world do take it. And now, if any rumor of this most inopportune disappearance of our bride should get out, why, it will never be believed! That is all! For has not the departure of the 'happy pair' been published in the Times? Yes, I am very glad of the news reporter's indiscreet precipitancy on this occasion, at least," concluded Lady Belgrade, as she turned to other "fashionable intelligence."
At that moment a footman entered the breakfast parlor and handed a business-looking card to the duke, saying, with a bow:
"If you please, your grace, the person is waiting in the hall."
"By your leave, Lady Belgrade?—Sims! show the man into the library, and tell him I will be with him in a few moments.—It is Detective Setter," said the duke, as he arose and left the breakfast parlor.
He found that officer awaiting him in the library.
"Any news?" inquired the duke, as he sank into a chair and signed to the visitor to follow his example.
"None, your grace. I have made diligent and careful investigations, in the neighborhoods mentioned by the lady's maid, but have found no trace of any Mrs. White or Brown that answered the rather vague description given. I shall, however, resume my search there," answered the man.
"There must be no cessation of the search until that woman is found. I need not caution you to use great discretion," said the duke, earnestly, but wearily, like a man breaking down under an intolerable burden of mental anxiety.
"Discretion is the very spirit of my business, your grace."
"What is to be your next step?"