Leaving this room, "His Majesty" now went once more to the room of Mrs. Russell, in the hope of gaining more light yet. Upon entering, he was once more nearly overthrown by the impetuous onslaught of the irrepressible Mrs. Russell, who, at this new and unexpected advent of her royal lover, overwhelmed herself and everybody else with her joyous vociferations. This, however, "His Majesty" endured with truly royal dignity, tempering kindness with firmness, and dealing gently with her weak woman's nature. Katie was there, but the royal eye, on wandering about, noticed the absence of Dolores.
"Whativer's become av the señorita?" he asked.
Mrs. Russell gave a startled look around.
"What! Where is she? She's gone!" she screamed; "she's gone! Oh, Your Gracious Majesty, the ghost! the ghost! Save me!"
"Whisht! Howld yer tung!" said "His Majesty." "The ghost, is it? So he's come an' carried off the señorita! Well, I've found the ghost."
"Found the ghost!" gasped Mrs. Russell.
"Mesilf has. Begorra, it's the truth I'm tellin'. Do ye know his name?"
"His name!" gasped Mrs. Russell, once more thinking of her late terrible fancy.
"Yis, his name; ye can't guess it? No? Well, I'll tell yez. It's Ashby."
"Ashby! Mr. Ashby!" cried Mrs. Russell. "Why! how could he get here?"