She went straight to the dining-room. Her mother and Denys were sitting peacefully at tea.
"Are father or Conway home?" she asked abruptly.
"No, they expect to be late," answered Mrs. Brougham serenely.
"Have you been up to the station, Denys?"
"No," said Denys, glancing up wonderingly.
"Nor Pattie?"
"No! whatever is the matter, Gertrude?"
"Somebody has taken Maud!"