“Dare you remain here alone till I return?” he said.
“I am not in the slightest degree afraid,” she replied.
“I shall not be away many minutes,” he cried, dashing off at full speed.
By this time, the party had disappeared, but he soon overtook them, and in less than five minutes returned with one of Lord Widdrington's grooms.
But Anna was not there. The poor disabled horse had never stirred from the spot. But its mistress was gone.
Lord Derwentwater gazed anxiously in every direction, but could see nothing of her. Thinking she might have gone to the castle, he hurried thither, followed by the groom, dashed through the gateway, and through an inner gate into the court.
Here he gazed distractedly around, but could see no one. Nor was any answer returned to his cries.