"
A shock of unutterable dread seized Lady Earle; a sharp spasm
seemed to dart through her heart.
"There must be some mistake," she said, gently; "I will go
upstairs with you."
The rooms were without occupant; no disarray of jewels, flowers,
or dresses, no little slippers; no single trace of Beatrice's
presence was there.
The pretty white bed was untouched--no one had slept in it; the
blinds were drawn, and the sunlight struggled to enter the room.
Lady Helena walked mechanically to the window, and drew aside the
lace curtains; then she looked round.
"She has not slept here," she said; "she must have slept with
Miss Lillian. You have frightened me, Suzette; I will go and see
myself."
Lady Helena went through the pretty sitting room where the books
Beatrice had been reading lay upon the table, on to Lillian's
chamber.
The young girl was awake, looking pale and languid, yet better
than she had looked the night before. Lady Earle controlled all
emotion, and went quietly to her.
"Have you seen Beatrice this morning?" she asked. "I want her."
"No," replied Lillian; "I have not seen her since just before
dinner last evening.
Pages:
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455