In the High Woods.
Alas! Harriet was right. When they reached the house, and when she wildly enquired of Miss Ford if Ralph were anywhere about, she was met by that astonished woman’s instant denial.
“Where have you been yourself?” said Miss Ford, speaking in great agitation. “We wondered what you and Ralph could be doing, and now you come here without him, and—and—Dr Pyke, you have brought her! Is anything wrong?”
“I greatly fear there is, Miss Ford,” said the doctor. “Please don’t scold this poor child at present. There is no doubt she has behaved very badly, but our immediate duty is to find the poor little fellow.”
“What poor little fellow? Oh, how you terrify me,” said Miss Ford.
“Little Ralph Durrant,” said the doctor. “The fact is, Harriet brought him to my house this afternoon—”
“You dared!” began Miss Ford.
“Oh yes,” said the doctor; “she dared a good deal. She was very naughty, we know that, but there’s no use in thinking of her at present. She left Ralph in my drawing-room, and when she came back for him, he was gone.”
“Oh!” said Miss Ford, “what is to be done?”
“You are certain he has not returned here?”