"We must search every hole and corner. Come, Maude! Help us, Mr. Herbert. Let us go first to the tapestry chamber. It is just like that old Judge Jeffery's wickedness to hide such a treasure in his ghostly haunts."
"Stay, Evelyn," said Mrs. Hazelwood; "your father thinks we must proceed cautiously at present: we know not what else this old secretaire may have contained, nor what inducement the present possessor may have for destroying or secreting it, if indeed it yet exists."
"You can rummage the premises at your leisure, young damsels," said the Squire, "but let nothing of this document go forth among others, until the time suits; then I will raise the county to find it."
"Dear Mrs. Falconer," said Evelyn, "we shall scour the county with one idea for the next three months. I am certain I have seen just such old furniture in many a cottage, and we shall certainly find it at last."
Thus cautioned, the earlier portion of Guy's epistle was all that underwent transformation through the social circles of Falcon Range, whilst at least six diligent individuals became more than ever indefatigable in cottage visits, and long rides to distant farmsteads.
Letters were despatched to obtain tidings of the nurse Phœbe, as her testimony would be all important in case of legal proceedings, and a restless spirit took possession of the lately calm and peaceful inmates of The Moat.
"Will it make much difference to them all, father," asked Evelyn, "if this paper should be found?"
"It won't quite buy back The Moat," said the Squire, smiling, "but it will make them sufficiently independent to do as they please, and I am afraid will make Mrs. Falconer insist upon renting the cottage instead of accepting it from us, as our offering of gratitude for all she has done for you."
"It is a lovely place, dear father, and enough to tempt her from The Moat; but I hope she will not go: I want a great deal of teaching yet to make me fit for anything."
"Fit for what?" laughed the Squire. "Is my little wench turning sentimental?"