Doña Josefa and the madame met them at the door, and related as well as they knew all that had occurred. They all agreed that the matter had better be kept from the servants, if possible, and they all went out by the front gate again, since it was useless to search in the direction of Mrs. Mechlin's house. Don Mariano and Gabriel saw George follow the path to the right and disappear. They followed him. George had heard the barking of a dog in the distance, and at first paid no attention to it, but when the barking would be followed by most piteous howls, he listened, and thought he recognized the plaintive whining of Milord. He followed the path, and as he did so, came nearer to the barking, and soon after Milord himself met him, with demonstrations of great satisfaction.
George had no doubt now of finding Mercedes. He let Milord be the guide, and run ahead, he following. In a few minutes he saw something white on the ground, and immediately after recognized Mercedes' form lying motionless across the path, as she had fallen. In a moment George had lifted her insensible form in his arms, calling out he had found her.
Don Mariano ran to him, but Gabriel, being more active, passed him, and was quickly at George's side, gazing anxiously at his sister's face.
“Give her to me, George,” said Don Mariano, in a hoarse whisper, for he was so agitated he could scarcely speak. “Give my baby to me.”
“Wait a little while. I'll carry her a little longer,” said George, holding the unconscious girl.
“Father is too agitated to be steady enough just now,” said Gabriel. “I'll carry her.”
“Let me see her face, for God's sake! Has she no life?” Don Mariano exclaimed.
“Oh, yes. She has fainted only. We will soon restore her to consciousness. Don't be alarmed. I think the parting with Clarence has nearly killed her—but she is alive,” George said.
“But why did they part? Why did he go?” Don Mariano asked.
“That is as much a mystery to me as to you,” George replied.