“Here, on this seat, under this bush, smoking a cigar. No; I’ll stick by you, my lad.”
They went off together, and, going straight up to the window pointed out by Linnell, found that Rockley was not there.
“I left him there, I’ll swear,” said Linnell savagely. “No, don’t let us separate; I may want you.”
“Quite right; and I may want you,” replied Mellersh.
They walked hastily round, looking in at window after window, but there was no sign of Rockley. The throng of guests were dancing, playing, or conversing, and the scene was very brilliant; but the tall, dark officer of the dragoons was the only one of his party that they could not see.
“Mellersh,” exclaimed Linnell suddenly, “with all my watchfulness, I seem to have failed.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Claire!”
“Claire? Why, I saw her seated on that rout-chair five minutes ago.”
“Yes; but she has gone.”