The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-05-30
CHAPTER VIII.
The bonniest lass in a Glasgow town,
This day is ava WI Holland laddic,

The bonniest lass in a Glasgow town,
This day is ava WI Il Hieland laddic.
Two empty chairs set side by side at
the Duchess's breakfast table that
morning excited some comment, but
chiefly of a good-natured kind, till the
butler volunteered the fact that Lord
Lowell and Mrs. Eyre had gone out very
early, neither valet nor maid having
seen them that morning. All eyes were
turned on Mr.. Eyre, who remarked that
the young people had probably extend
ed their ramble further than they had
intended; and if Mrs. Transome whis-
pered to her next neighbor, and some
of the men exchanged chances, his alb
sence of alarm could not fail TO check
any idea that there was something
wrong.
But whenthe morning passed, and Mr..
Eyrereturning late to luncheon from
visiting some outlying farms with the
Duke, found that Madcap had not re-
turned. his bearing changed. and an eX-
preston of acute anxiety crossed his
face.
"They must have met with some ac-
cident," he said. blaming himself bit
terly that he had taken her absence so
calmly; and without pausing to taste
food, or even speak to the Duchess, he
went out, though with no fixed plan in
his mind Of where he shonld seek her.
Mrs. Transome shrugged her shoulders,
as the Duke, deeply concerned, hurried
after his guest to propose systematic
search for the missing pair.
ut is the mans own fault" she said.
"What else did he expect? He throws
two charming young people into each
others arms, and then wonders at their
In mr. in m COZ nf tprv Af io
best to make her jealous" she added in
q lower tone, as she glanced at the
Duchess, who was very pale, and had
taken no part in the discussion.
She believed that 1t was jealousy of
herself which had driven Madcap into
such folly, and secretly exulted in this
proof OF her power over Mr.. Eyre; and
yet his whole soul seemed engrossed in
the search for his wife, while he had
left her without glance.
The usual routine of the house was
entirely broken up that day. No one
either walked, drove, or rode; the wo-
men tore the scandal to tatters over
their needlework, while the men dis
cussed it more calmly in the smoking
room, though to Mrs. Transome was
reserved the brilliant idea of writing a
full, true, and particular account of the
elOpement to four or five of her most
particular gossips in the county. The
post left early, so that she was able to
dispatch her letters before there was a
chance of hearing of an honorable issue
to the affair; and by the following mid
day the story was bruited about from
one end Of the county to the other,
spiced by such lying additions as every
scandal knows how to gather to itself
as it flies.
And meanwhile Mr.. Eyre, having
gone few steps without any definite
aim, stopped suddenly, and burst out
laughing.
why, Duke" he exclaimed, "what
fool have been-of course, she's gone
to Lovel to see those boys of hers, and
Frank taken care of her. You know
he's walked over several times, and
ridden back"
but she could not walk that dis
tance," objected the Duke, who had
considered Mr.. Eyre's conduct as re-
garded the young people very unwise
"I'll ride over with you, and see. 1t
may put better face on things"
do you think they have run away?"
said Mr.. Eyre, smiling. Il see you
don t'know my wife, or Frank either"
"They are young" said the Duke
gravely; and no more was said till the
horses were saddled, and they were on
their way, when Mr.. Eyre showed such
brilliant spirits as even to infect the
Duke with his gayety; and they were
both laughing heartily when, about half
way to Lowell, they met Frank, tearing
along at full gallop.
lie looked pale and weary, but his
face frightened at the sight of Mr..
Eyre; and as he checked his horse, he
eXclaimed-"I feared my note to you
had miscarried, so was riding over to
fetch YOU"
"Madcap is safe and well?o cried Mr..
Eyre, made uneasy by Franks looks.
"She is safe at the Red Hail." said
Frank; but she over-fatigued herself
this morning, and now she is i'll. "
"Ilow could you let her undertake
such q Journey" exclaimed Mr.. Eyre
sharplv,
RIO be Continual