"That is just what I mean to do, Lisette,—stop here with you," smilingly responded Marie. "Where is my friend Cambray?"
"How should I know where he is? A pretty question to ask me! He is n't anywhere. He has gone to bed, and you can't see him."
"I shall hunt till I find him, Lisette."
"Well, you will do as you like, of course; but you will not find M. Cambray, for he does n't want to see you."
"Very well," returned Marie. Then to the lad by her side, "Come with me, Laczko; we will hunt for the gentleman."
Lisette was beside herself with terror at the danger which threatened Marie; but before she could utter another word, the young girl and her little escort had disappeared down the corridor.
There was a great change everywhere in the castle. The floors were covered with muddy foot-tracks; huge nails had been driven into the varnished walls, and great heaps of dust, straw, and hay lay about on the inlaid floors of the halls and salon. Marie hardly recognized her former immaculate asylum.
She called, with her clear, soft-toned voice, into every room, "Cambray! father! art thou here?" but received no reply.
Then she mounted the staircase to her own apartment. The door was open like all the rest, but a first glance told Marie that the room had not been used until now. Lisette, beyond a doubt, had lodged her respected guest in this only habitable chamber.
Marie entered and looked about her. The metal screen was down!