"Of course something must be done," said Sheila irritably, "I have sent for Peter."
Miss Gregson gave a sigh of relief. Mr. Fortescue would tell them what to do. What a mercy that Sheila had sent for him so quickly. She felt sure too that their friend would hasten to their help; that was his way when anyone was in trouble. Miss Gregson blessed him in her heart. Even now she saw the good man hurrying up the avenue towards the house; he had lost no time; and the expression of his face as he came into the room satisfied her that he was as convinced of the gravity of the occasion quite as much as she was.
Sheila started up from the breakfast table and faced Peter with a look of apprehension. Her conscience was smiting her and she dreaded having to confess to her cousin, whose heart overflowed with kindness, the cause of Meg's disappearance. What would he think of her?
"Is it true," he asked, "has Meg really run off?"
"Yes, this morning before breakfast. Walter found the side door unlocked. She must have gone very early."
Peter looked gravely at the distressed face before him.
"What made her go?" he asked.
"She was upset I think," said Sheila breathlessly. "What happened at the concert disconcerted her."
"But of course you did all you could to ease her mind. I know she was afraid you would be vexed, but I assured her that she need not fear. Something more must be at the back of this flight. I suppose it couldn't have anything to do with that young man."
Sheila was silent and rather white.