ival they learnt that
neither Captain Batsby nor Miss Gertrude had been seen since ten
o'clock; that almost immediately after Lady Tringle's departure in
the morning Captain Batsby had caused all his luggage to be sent into
Hastings; and that it had since appeared that a considerable number
of Miss Gertrude's things were missing. There could be no doubt that
she had caused them to be packed up with the Captain's luggage. "They
have gone to Ostend, mamma," said Augusta. "I was sure of it, because
I've heard Gertrude say that people can always get themselves married
at Ostend. There is a clergyman there on purpose to do it."

It was at this time past seven o'clock, and Lady Tringle when she
heard the news was so astounded that she did not at first know how
to act. It was not possible for her to reach Dover that night before
the night-boat for Ostend should have started,--even could she have
done any good by going there. Tom was in such a condition that she
hardly dared to trust him; but it was settled at last that she should
telegraph at once to Sir Thomas, in Lombard Street, and that Tom
should travel up to London by the night train.

On the following morning Lady Tringle received a letter from
Gertrude, posted by that young lady at Dover as she passed through on
her road to Ostend. It was as follows;--

DEAR MAMMA,

You will be surprised on your return from London to
find that we have gone. After much thinking about it we
determined it would be best, because we had quite made
up our mind _not to be kept separated_. Ben was so eager
about it that I was obliged to yield. We were afraid that
if we asked papa at once he would not have given his
consent. Pray give him my most dutiful love, and tell him
that I am sure he will never have occasion to be ashamed
of his son-in-law. I don't suppose he knows, but it is
the fact that Captain Batsby has about three thousand a
year of his own. It is very different from having nothing,
like that wretch Frank Houston, or, for that matter, Mr.
Traffick. Ben was quite in a position to ask papa, but
things had happened which made us both feel that papa
would not like it just at present. We mean to be married
at Ostend, and then will come back as soon as you and papa
say that you will receive us. In the meantime I wish you
would send some of my clothes after me. Of course I had to
come away with very little luggage, becaus