detective, whom I know from reputation, and put the case in his hands.  What seems to us so alarming and incomprehensible, may be to a man of his experience simple and clear enough.  We are too near the fact to see it truly in its proper light.  This man I understand to be faithful and discreet, one who may be intrusted with the investigation of the most delicate affairs.  I will employ him immediately, in the confidence that no publicity will be given to this mystery.  In the meanwhile, my dear Lady Belgrade, I counsel you to call the household servants all together.  Do not inform them of the nature of my errand out, but caution them to silence and discretion as to the absence of their lady.  You will allow me to confide this trust to you?”

“Assuredly, Duke!  And let me tell you that these servants are all so idolatrously devoted to their mistress, that they would never breathe, or suffer to be breathed in their presence, one syllable that could, in the remotest degree, reflect upon her dignity,” said the lady.

“I will return within an hour, madam,” replied the duke, as he bowed and left the room.

He went directly to the nearest police station at Church Court, Kensington.

He asked to see Detective Collinson of the force.

Fortunately, Detective Collinson was at the office, and soon made his appearance.

The duke asked for a private interview.

The detective invited him to sit down in an empty side-room.

There the duke put the case of the missing lady in his hands, giving him all the circumstances supposed to be connected with her disappearance.

The detective exhibited not the slightest surprise at the hearing of this unprecedented story, nor did he express any opinion.  Detectives never are surprised at anything that may happen at any time to anybody, nor have they ever any opinions to venture in advance.

Mr. Collinson said he would take the case and give it his undivided attention, but would promise nothing else.

The Duke of Hereward, obliged to be contented with this answer, arose to leave the room.  In passing out he met the chief, who had not been present when he first entered.

“Oh, I beg your grace’s pardon, but I consider this meeting very fortunate,” said that officer, respectfully touching his hat.

“Upon what ground?” gravely inquired the duke.

“Your grace is wanted as a witness for the Crown, on the trial of John Potts and Rose Cameron, charged with the murder of the late Sir Lemuel Levison.  The girl, who was arrested at a house in Westminster Road a few days ago, has been sent down to Scotland, and the trial will commence, on the day after to-morrow, at the Assizes now open at Bannff.  But, according to the newspaper report, we thought your grace to be now on your way to Paris, and we were just about to dispatch a special messenger to you.  So your grace will perceive how fortunate this meeting turns out to be.”