‘But we don’t know that they’re together.’

’But we do, I say, Mrs Prothero; or why should they go off together?  Fine things, indeed, for the gossips!  Two ’lopements from one house.  The young hussy.’

Mrs Prothero could not help crying.  To lose them both at once—­a son and one who had been better than a daughter to her—­it was too sad—­and to feel so uncertain as to what would become of them!

Mr Prothero was resolved to take no notice of her tears, but hastily swallowed his breakfast and went out.  The servants did not need to be asked about the fugitives.  They were all sure that they had run away together.  Gladys, good and quiet as she seemed, was deep enough; and they had managed so well that nobody had seen them!  Not like Miss Netta, who was so open!  Many had seen her when she ran away!

Mrs Prothero sent one of the men off in a search for Lion, feeling sure that if he were found, Gladys would be discovered.

At about eleven o’clock, to Mrs Prothero’s great delight, Miss Gwynne and Miss Hall called to see if the report about Owen and Gladys were true, and to hear what Mrs Prothero thought of it.  Miss Gwynne was highly indignant.

’You cannot believe it, Mrs Prothero.  That girl Gladys would no more run away with any man living than I would.  If Mr Prothero won’t send after her I will.  Where is he?’

‘Shall I send and tell him you want to speak to him?’

‘By all means—­directly.’

Mr Prothero was soon in the house again, at Miss Gwynne’s bidding.  He looked more than usually red and excited.

’Mr Prothero, I would stake my life upon it, that girl has not gone off with your son.  I don’t like the Irish, or their beggars more than you do; but I am very fond of Gladys, and she shall not lose her character, or die of starvation whilst I have a horse to send after her, or a shilling to help her.’

’That’s very well for you, Miss Gwynne, but Owen is no relation of yours; and I don’t cheuse him to marry an Irish beggar.  This house is bewitched, and my children are bewitched, all except Rowland.’

Miss Gwynne wondered what Mr Prothero would think of him if he knew all.

’Well, Mr Prothero, will you send after Gladys, or shall I?  You needn’t have her back here.  There is a situation of schoolmistress or lady’s maid for her at once.  I will take her in either capacity.’

‘Indeed, Mr Prothero,’ said Miss Hall, ’I think you may trust Gladys; that letter is sincere if ever anything was.’

‘Who is to search, for there is no time to lose?’ asked Miss Gwynne.

She was the only person in Wales who would have moved Mr Prothero, but he never could refuse her anything.

’What you say, Miss, is seure to have sense in it.  I never knew you take to any one yet who wasn’t worth something, so I’ll just ride myself and look after ’em both.  I shouldn’t like people to fancy we were in a fuss and fright.  But remember, Miss Gwynne, it is to oblige you; and if I find that she has run away with my son—­’