hours with Jael, and she would show him that the man she
loved, and lived for, must place himself above suspicion, or lose her
forever. "And if he quarrels with me for that," she thought, "why, I
can die." She actually carried out her resolution, and went early next
morning to the works to demand an explanation. She took the letter with
her. As she went along she discussed in her own mind how she should
proceed, and at last she resolved to just hand him the letter and fix
her eye on him. His face would tell her the truth.

She drove up to the great gate; there were a good many people about,
talking, in excited groups.

The porter came out to her. She said she wished to see Mr. Little.

The porter stared: the people within hearing left off talking, and
stared too, at her, and then at one another.

At last the porter found his voice. "Mr. Little! why, we can't find him
anywhere, dead or alive."

Just then Ransome came out, and, seeing Miss Carden, gave a start, and
looked much concerned.

Grace noticed this look, and her own face began to fill with surprise,
and then with alarm. "Not to be found!" she faltered.

She did not know Mr. Ransome, but he knew her; and he came to the
carriage-window and said, in a low voice, "Miss Carden, I am the
chief-constable. I would advise you to return home. The fact is, there
has been an explosion here, and a young woman nearly killed."

"Poor creature! But Mr. Little! Oh, sir! Oh, sir!"

"We can't find him," said Ransome, solemnly: "and we fear--we sadly
fear--"

Grace uttered a low cry, and then sat trembling.

Ransome tried to console her; said it was just possible he might have
not slept in the works.

The porter shook his head.

Grace sprung from the carriage. "Show me the place," said she, hoarsely.

Ransome demurred. "It is an ugly sight for any one to see."

"Who has a better right to see it than I? I shall find him if he is
there. Give me your arm: I have heard him speak of you."

Then Ransome yielded reluctantly, and took her to the place.

He showed her Henry's room, all rent and mutilated.

She shuddered, and, covering her face with her hands, leaned half
fainting against her conductor; but soon she shook this off, and became
inspired with strange energy, though her face was like marble.

She drew him, indeed almost dragged him, hither and thither, questioning
him, and listening to everybody's conjectures; for there were loud
groups here of work-people