r that Marion is missing! Can you form no idea where she
is?"

"Yes!" said Sir Murray, bitterly; "abroad by this time!"

"What, in Heaven's name, does it all mean?" exclaimed Mrs Elstree,
pitifully.

"Mean, madam!" exclaimed Sir Murray, as he strode to the door, and
turned to gaze fiercely at all present--"mean? That I married a
harlot!"

Book 1, Chapter XXXVIII.

CHANGES AT HAND.

Everything that could be done in the way of searching was energetically
carried out. The lake, every pond, and even many of the water-holes
upon the moor were dragged; but no tidings--no trace of Lady Gernon was
obtained. McCray had seen her walk across the lawn and disappear behind
some shrubs, as he was at work, and that seemed to be the last trace.
No one could be found who had seen her pass in any direction; and the
topic of conversation in Merland village and the neighbourhood began to
change its tone, as people learned how Sir Murray had, for a short time,
made inquiries respecting the route taken by Captain Norton, pursuing
him, too, for some distance, until he seemed to have disappeared, the
information he obtained being of a very vague nature.

But it was very plain to those who took an interest in the affair that
Sir Murray Gernon's endeavours to trace his lady were made in a
half-hearted manner. The search in the neighbourhood of the Castle was
strenuous enough, but that was due to the exertions of McCray; and when,
at the end of a week, people learned that Sir Murray had shut himself
up, after discharging half the servants with liberal wages, they raised
their eyebrows, and shook their heads, and wondered whether Captain
Norton would ever show himself again at the Hall.

As for Jane, she was nearly having a rupture with McCray, upon his
giving in his adhesion to the popular feeling; but the matter blew over,
and whatever might be her thoughts, she said no more, waiting in
expectation of the battle that she felt to be in store for her when,
rousing himself once more, Sir Murray should recall her words, and wish
to discharge her.

But the day she dreaded did not come; while, to the great disgust of the
servants, McCray seemed to be more and more in the confidence of Sir
Murray.

"Why don't he keep to his `gairden,' as he calls it?" said the footman,
indignantly; for he felt himself much ill-used, since he had to wear his
livery, eat his food, and do nothing at all in return, for the baronet's
simple meals were tak