This was too dreadful! Elizabeth began to cry. And then she heard a loud knocking at the door.
In the mean time Miss Herrick had returned from her drive. She found visitors in the parlor, and when they had gone it was necessary to give a glance at the dinner table to see that all was properly arranged for her guests; and then she went up stairs to dress. It was almost six o'clock.
As she looked at the tiny clock on her dressing-table, her eye was attracted by Elizabeth's note, pinned on her cushion.
"What is this for?" she said to herself, as she opened and read it.
"What can the child mean? Gone to some friends—'some people she knows'? Who are they? Has she lost her mind? Perhaps her illness is affecting her brain."
Miss Herrick almost ran from the room, and called Miss Rice.
"Where is Elizabeth?" she demanded.
"Is she not with you?" asked Miss Rice. "As she was not at home, I fancied that you had taken her to drive."
"Not at all. The child must be found. Read this quickly, and tell me what you think. Was there ever anything so trying? The child will be the death of me. Company for dinner, and all this excitement! Where can she be? Rebecca," to her sister, who appeared at this moment, "Elizabeth, has actually had the audacity to run away! What shall we do about it?"