The answer really shocked me—­there was such a glaring impropriety in permitting an under-housemaid to fill the place of confidential attendant on Lady Glyde.  I went upstairs at once, and met Margaret on the bedroom landing.  Her services had not been required (naturally enough), her mistress having sufficiently recovered that morning to be able to leave her bed.  I asked next after Miss Halcombe, but I was answered in a slouching, sulky way, which left me no wiser than I was before.

I did not choose to repeat the question, and perhaps provoke an impertinent reply.  It was in every respect more becoming to a person in my position to present myself immediately in Lady Glyde’s room.

I found that her ladyship had certainly gained in health during the last few days.  Although still sadly weak and nervous, she was able to get up without assistance, and to walk slowly about her room, feeling no worse effect from the exertion than a slight sensation of fatigue.  She had been made a little anxious that morning about Miss Halcombe, through having received no news of her from any one.  I thought this seemed to imply a blamable want of attention on the part of Mrs. Rubelle, but I said nothing, and remained with Lady Glyde to assist her to dress.  When she was ready we both left the room together to go to Miss Halcombe.

We were stopped in the passage by the appearance of Sir Percival.  He looked as if he had been purposely waiting there to see us.

“Where are you going?” he said to Lady Glyde.

“To Marian’s room,” she answered.

“It may spare you a disappointment,” remarked Sir Percival, “if I tell you at once that you will not find her there.”

“Not find her there!”

“No.  She left the house yesterday morning with Fosco and his wife.”

Lady Glyde was not strong enough to bear the surprise of this extraordinary statement.  She turned fearfully pale, and leaned back against the wall, looking at her husband in dead silence.

I was so astonished myself that I hardly knew what to say.  I asked Sir Percival if he really meant that Miss Halcombe had left Blackwater Park.

“I certainly mean it,” he answered.

“In her state, Sir Percival!  Without mentioning her intentions to Lady Glyde!”

Before he could reply her ladyship recovered herself a little and spoke.

“Impossible!” she cried out in a loud, frightened manner, taking a step or two forward from the wall.  “Where was the doctor? where was Mr. Dawson when Marian went away?”

“Mr. Dawson wasn’t wanted, and wasn’t here,” said Sir Percival.  “He left of his own accord, which is enough of itself to show that she was strong enough to travel.  How you stare!  If you don’t believe she has gone, look for yourself.  Open her room door, and all the other room doors if you like.”