imself again to Miss Eyrecourt's
fascinations. What means of persuasion she used to effect this purpose
is of course unknown to us. Penrose saw Romayne after her ladyship's
departure, and describes him as violently agitated. I can quite
understand it. His resolution to take refuge in secret flight (it is
really nothing less) speaks for itself as to the impression produced on
him, and the danger from which, for the time at least, we have escaped.

Yes! I say "for the time at least." Don't let our reverend fathers
suppose that the money expended on my private inquiries has been money
thrown away. Where these miserable love affairs are concerned, women are
daunted by no adverse circumstances and warned by no defeat. Romayne has
left London, in dread of his own weakness--we must not forget that. The
day may yet come when nothing will interpose between us and failure but
my knowledge of events in Miss Eyrecourt's life.

For the present, there is no more to be said.

CHAPTER XI.

STELLA ASSERTS HERSELF.

Two days after Father Benwell had posted his letter to Rome, Lady Loring
entered her husband's study, and asked eagerly if he had heard any news
of Romayne.

Lord Loring shook his head. "As I told you yesterday," he said, "the
proprietor of the hotel can give me no information. I went myself this
morning to the bankers, and saw the head partner. He offered to
forward letters, but he could do no more. Until further notice, he was
positively enjoined not to disclose Romayne's address to anybody. How
does Stella bear it?"

"In the worst possible way," Lady Loring answered. "In silence."

"Not a word even to you?"

"Not a word."

At that reply, the servant interrupted them by announcing the arrival of
a visitor, and presenting his card. Lord Loring started, and handed it
to his wife. The card bore the name of "Major Hynd," and this line was
added in pencil: "On business connected with Mr. Romayne."

"Show him in directly!" cried Lady Loring.

Lord Loring remonstrated. "My dear! perhaps I had better see this
gentleman alone?"

"Certainly not--unless you wish to drive me into committing an act of
the most revolting meanness! If you send me away I shall listen at the
door."

Major Hynd was shown in, and was duly presented to Lady Loring. After
making the customary apologies, he said: "I returned to London last
night, expressly to see Romayne on a matter of importance. Failing to
discover his present address at