s gone to take her usual airing in the carriage."

"Who was with her?"

"No one but her maid, sir."

"Oh, no; they would not go off together--that would be too open and
barefaced. Do you know what direction she took?"

"No, sir; I didn't observe."

"You stupid old lout," replied the baronet, flying at him, and mauling
the unfortunate man without mercy; "take that--and that--and that--for
your stupidity. Why did you not observe the way she went, you! villain?
You have suffered her to elope, you hound! You have all suffered her
to elope with a smooth-faced impostor--a fellow whom no one knows--a
blackleg--a swindler--a thief--a--a--go and saddle half a
dozen horses, and seek her in all directions. Go instantly,
and--hold--easy--stop--hang you all, stop!--here she is--and her maid
with her--" he exclaimed, looking out of the window. "Ha! I am relieved.
God bless me! God bless me!" He then looked at the servants with
something of deprecation in his face, and waving his hand, said, "Go--go
quietly; and, observe me--not a word of this--not a syllable--for your
lives!"

His anger, however, was only checked in mid-volley. The idea of her
having received a clandestine visit from her lover during his absence
rankled at his heart; and although satisfied that she was still safe,
and in his power, he could barely restrain his temper within moderate
limits. Nay, he felt angry at her for the alarm she had occasioned him,
and the passion he had felt at her absence.

"Well, Lucy," said he, addressing her, as she entered, in a voice chafed
with passion, "have you taken your drive?"

"Yes, papa," she replied; "but it threatened rain, and we returned
earlier that usual."

"You look pale."

"I dare say I do, sir. I want rest--repose;" and she reclined on a
lounger as she spoke. "It is surprising, papa, how weak I am!"

"Not too weak, Lucy, to receive a stolen visit, eh?"

Lucy immediately sat up, and replied with surprise, "A stolen visit,
sir? I don't understand you, papa."

"Had you not a visitor here, in my absence?"

"I had, sir, but the visit was intended for you. Our interview was
perfectly accidental."

"Ah! faith, Lucy, it was too well timed to be accidental. I'm not such a
fool as that comes to. Accidental, indeed! Lucy, you should not say so."

"I am not in the habit of stating an untruth, papa. The visit, sir--I
should rather say, the interview--was purely accidental; but I am glad
it took place."

"The deu