"The river was dragged for more than a week," he said, presently, "and my wife's body was never found."
Hester Jobson shook her head mournfully.
"That's a poor sign, sir," she answered; "the river's full of holes, I've heard say. My husband had a fellow–'prentice who drowned himself in that river seven year ago, and his body was never found."
Edward Arundel rose and walked towards the door.
"I do not believe that my wife is dead," he cried. He held out his hand to the carpenter's wife. "God bless you!" he said. "I thank you from my heart for your tender feeling towards my lost girl."
He went out to the gig, in which Mr. Morrison waited for him, rather tired of his morning's work.
"There is an inn a little way farther along the street, Morrison," Captain Arundel said. "I shall stop there."
The man stared at his master.
"And not go back to Marchmont Towers, Mr. Edward?"
"No."