Late that night Austin Warner returned to the Grove. He had done his father's business, and being anxious to be at school early the next day, had resisted Mr. Harris's kindly efforts to detain him all night, and had returned.
Priscilla and Miss Vernon had retired to rest ere Austin came back; and fearing to disturb his father at his writing, Austin went to his own room. Lewis was not there; but he had not expected that he would be so, and taking out a book, he began to study, awaiting his brother's return. Long he waited. One o'clock—two—three—four struck, but no Lewis came. Never before had he been so late, and Austin became alarmed. Where could he be? Alas! He knew well the set he was now associating with. Could they have detained him purposely?
Uneasy in reality now, Austin put down his book and began to walk up and down the room. As he did so his eye rested on the mantel-piece, and he observed that the pictures were removed. A terrible panic seized him.
He instantly opened the drawers. His worst fears were thereby confirmed: Lewis's clothes had been mostly taken away. What did it all mean?
Just this, that long ere the clock struck four, Lewis Warner and a companion in evil had left Hereford and were on their way to Portsmouth, where some days before, through a so-called friend, they had secured places on board a vessel bound for Africa. Poor Lewis! He cared little where he went, so that he could escape the shame and sorrow of seeing his father's grief when the news of his loved son's fall and disgrace should reach his ears.
In a moment Austin understood all, and at first remained motionless, struck with amazement and distress. Then he left the room and knocked gently at Priscilla's door.
[CHAPTER X.]
THE SEARCH.
"As thy day thy strength shall be!
This should be enough for thee;
He who knows thy frame will spare
Burdens more than thou must bear."
GABRIELLE M'IVOR was an early riser, and on the Spring morning following the evening when Lewis Warner had left his home, she had risen earlier than usual. For she had long ago discovered that if she desired a quiet time for study, she must obtain it ere little busy feet had begun to run about and little voices call out for "Sister Gabrielle."