"I don't know," said the Princess wearily; "he is so clever that he seems to do what he likes. I have taken no steps, because I wished to get some advice as to how I should act under the circumstances. For this reason I tell you." "I will do my best, Princess. But how was it Anne came with you?" "Olga managed that. She knew Anne was at the Priory. I don't know how. Olga knows much. I wish she and Anne would come back again. I hope nothing has happened." Even as she spoke the door opened, and Olga entered the room looking haggard and worn out. "Anne!" cried her mother. "Where is Anne?" "Lost!" replied Olga, dropping exhausted into a chair, "lost!" CHAPTER XXII OLGA'S EVIDENCE Giles saw in the girl almost as great a change as that which had taken place in her mother. Formerly haughty and self-possessed, she was now quite exhausted and broken down. Her dress was muddy and wet and in disorder. She had a grey face and red eyes. Huddled up in the chair, she looked a pitiable object--the ruin of what was once a beautiful woman. "Anne lost?" cried the Princess, clutching at a chair to steady herself. "Olga, what do you mean?" Olga did not answer. She closed her eyes and let her umbrella fall with a crash. Giles saw that the girl was quite worn out. Hastily filling a glass with undiluted whiskey, he held it to her lips, and made her drink the whole of it. Shortly the ardent spirit did its work. She sat up and began to talk in a stronger tone; but the excitement was artificial, and would die away soon. Princess Karacsay saw this, and urged her daughter to tell her story quickly before she collapsed, so that the police might be sent in search of Anne. "The police will never find her," said Olga, with an effort. "She is with Mark Dane. He has taken her away." "Dane?" echoed Giles. "Denham's secretary?" Olga looked at him with an inquiring air. "How much do you know?" she asked, bracing herself up. "As much as your mother could tell me. I know that Anne is your half-sister, and----" "Yes." Olga tried to rise, but sank back again. "She is my sister, my dear sister, and I love her with all the strength of my nature." "Ah," said Ware sadly, "why did you not talk like that when last we met, mademoiselle?" Olga passed her hand across her forehead. "I was mad, I think. But that is all over. You need have no fear now, Mr. Ware. My passion for you has spent itself." "Olga!" cried the Princess, scandalized, "you rave!" "No," answered her daughter; "I did last time Mr. Ware and I were together, but now I talk sense. Did he not tell?" "I told nothing," interposed Giles quickly; "and you had better relate when and where you left Anne, so that we can find her." "I'll do all in my power to save her and bring her back to you, Mr. Ware. I was mad to talk and act as I did; but I have been punished by the loss of Anne." "Olga!" cried the Princess in desperation, "for Heaven's sake speak reasonably! Why did you go out with Anne last night?"