Denton and Haughton Examiner, etc. — 1887-12-03 (Denton, Greater Manchester, England)

CIFO9. But with all his pluck and skill, his good qualities were rather of bulldog type ; he had no delicacy of feeling whatever, nor any of the Rohde intuition that sometimes prompts exactly the right course without any planning. He was suspicious and doubtful of everybody, and without the perception that can distinguish truth from falsehood. Consequently, in this Instance, at least, he missed his aim by choosing to believe and assert that he wee being deceived and hoodwinked by the consternation and dismay of the household at the disappearance of Mrs. Champneys. He declared his utter disbelief that she was out of the house, and insisted upon a search, even more thorough than the missing lady's husband had made on his own account. The servants protested in disgust against his proceedings. They said he insisted upon looking into cupboards where a cat could hardly be lodged, and seemed to fancy that they had got Mrs. Champneya concealed in their boxes. He made himself so obnoxious that the only person who could have given him the least clue held his tongue and would not know anything. One of the men had seen the black-robed figure glide down the back staircase, and out through a side door into the street. Ho had not known it for his mistress then, nor thought much about who it might he, but when all the hubbub was raised, and Mrs. Charnpneys was being searched for far and wide, he knew that he most have seen her. The officer was surly to him, and the lady had been kind and indulgent, and he would not open hie lips to betray her. He took an early opportunity of presenting himself before his master who was consulting with Mrs. Medlicott the beet course to be pursued. Impulsive as she wan, she was a clear-headed, quickwitted woman, but she was at fault like everyone else now. Neville Champneys was fearful that Nora. in her shame and agony, might have committed suicide, hut his old friend combated this idea at once.  ghe would not have gone out of the house to do that,' she said, 'Remember she had the means to her hand.'  True, e said, with a shiver. She has gone to save her life, not to lose it,' she said, 'and you must tlnd her, and get her away before this man discoverd her. My poor Neville, we must save the public shame, the bitter scandal, if we can,' Neville Champneys buried his face in his hands and groaned aloud, and his old friend threw her arms round his neck and kissed him as she had done many a time wiles he was a little led in trouble.  • Don't give way yet, my boy,' she maid. ' Mink what is before you. She must be found and saved, and then—'  She lifted her head to reply to a knocking at the &cr. Who le there A voice replied. caking to be allowed to speak to ne mutter, and Neville Champneye lifted hie pale face and bade the sneaker came In.  Well, Thomes,' he said, kindly, as the man entered. What is it?'  • It's about my lady, sir,' the man replied, in a low Atte, as be carefully closed the door. They're at the other end of the place searching, and I thought I hod better come to you while they are too far ofF to ben.'  Yes, yea. What do you know ?' Not much, air only that my lady taut in the house. Dew her go out, though I didn't know it was her than.'  ' Which way did she go?' The e 0 replied, indicating a street that led into a p,or and densely-populated quarter of the city, and added that his mistress walked quickly and firmly, and that he never guessed there was anything wrong. She was all in black and had a thick veil on.  - ;Yon have told an one of Ws?' 'No one, sir; when I found what that man wanted, I thought It better to hold my tongue.' 'Oblige me by keeping silence a little longer. It may be that you will save mo much trouble and sorrow by doing so. I thank you very much tor the discretion you have already displayed In the matter.'  Thomas was only one of the subordinate servants, Who saw very little of his master and mistress, and the sovereign which Mr. Champneys put into his hand was a mine of wealth to him. But the kind words of approval were more, and the secret was safe in his keeping from that minute.  Neville Champneys recollected the name. George Maybush had been in an English family, and was a courier when fortune favoured him so far, but hews. very unlucky, and made a living the beet way he could as odd man, artists' model, or anything that turned up by which he could earn a penny. Be had a hard-working French wife and a brood of children, of whom this elfish little apparition woe one.  , • What does your father want with me ? ' he asked.  ' I don t know, sir. It's something about the lady.' What lady ?' . .  The words would hardly come for the wild beating of his heart, for he felt sure that the child spoke of his wife.