“I thank fortune for this!  Now you have really started on your wedding tour in the belief of all London, and all outside of London who take the Times; and all our world do take it.  And now, if any rumor of this most inopportune disappearance of our bride should get out, why, it will never be believed!  That is all!  For has not the departure of the ‘happy pair’ been published in the Times?  Yes, I am very glad of the news reporter’s indiscreet precipitancy on this occasion, at least,” concluded Lady Belgrade, as she turned to other “fashionable intelligence.”

At that moment a footman entered the breakfast parlor and handed a business-looking card to the duke, saying, with a bow: 

“If you please, your grace, the person is waiting in the hall.”

“By your leave, Lady Belgrade?—­Sims! show the man into the library, and tell him I will be with him in a few moments.—­It is Detective Setter,” said the duke, as he arose and left the breakfast parlor.

He found that officer awaiting him in the library.

“Any news?” inquired the duke, as he sank into a chair and signed to the visitor to follow his example.

“None, your grace.  I have made diligent and careful investigations, in the neighborhoods mentioned by the lady’s maid, but have found no trace of any Mrs. White or Brown that answered the rather vague description given.  I shall, however, resume my search there,” answered the man.

“There must be no cessation of the search until that woman is found.  I need not caution you to use great discretion,” said the duke, earnestly, but wearily, like a man breaking down under an intolerable burden of mental anxiety.

“Discretion is the very spirit of my business, your grace.”

“What is to be your next step?”

“If your grace will permit me, I should like to examine the rooms of the lost lady, and I should like to question, singly and privately, the servants of the house.”

“A thorough search has been made of the premises, including the apartments of the duchess.  And every domestic on the premises has been examined and cross-examined.”

“I do not doubt, your grace, that all this has been done as effectually as it could be done by any one, except a skillful and experienced detective; but if you will pardon me, I should like to make an examination and investigation in person.”

“Certainly, Mr. Setter.  Every facility shall be afforded you,” said the duke, touching the bell.

A footman entered.

The duke drew a card from his pocket and wrote upon it: 

“Detective Setter wishes to search the premises and cross-examine the servants.  What does your ladyship say?”

The duke then placed the card in the hand of the footman, saying: 

“Be so good as to take this to Lady Belgrade, and wait an answer.”

The servant bowed and left the room.