The sum total was this: Sir Harold Annesley had been seen to enter a train at Crayford Station, and there he disappeared completely. CHAPTER X. AT LADY GAYNOR’S BALL. A month had passed, and the world was beginning to forget that such a person as Sir Harold Annesley had ever existed. His man of business had closed the park, and dismissed half the servants, and it was the general belief that the eccentric young baronet was masquerading abroad. His actions had been strongly condemned; and many leaders of fashion decided to close their doors to him when he did return home again. “This wearing of the willow must end,” the Earl of Seabright said to his daughter one morning. “Where is your pride, Elaine? Do you not see that you are an object of pity among the servants and one of contempt among your equals?” “I do not care for either pity or contempt, papa,” she replied, listlessly. “But I do!” was the angry retort. “I do not see how it can affect you, papa.” “You do not see!” he cried, in surprise. “Great Heavens, are you bereft of common sense? What man will care to marry a woman who is fretting after a lover who shamelessly jilted her?” “My lover will come back to me,” replied Elaine. “I can marry no other man.” “Where is your self-respect?” he demanded, furiously. “Your lover will never come back to you! Can you not see through his shallow trick? At least, you must appear in society. I will not have this moping away in dark rooms. Here is an invitation to Lady Gaynor’s ball. You must be there, if only to end the silly gossip about broken hearts. Pshaw, I have no sympathy with such nonsense!” “If it is your desire, papa, I will accept the invitation,” Lady Elaine said, calmly; “but I shall find no pleasure at Lady Gaynor’s ball.” The earl was satisfied that he had gained his point so far. “She will soon forget the fellow in the excitement of pleasure. If necessary, I will take her abroad,” he thought. Two days later Miss Nugent came and kissed Lady Elaine with a great show of affection. The one subject was the ball and the dresses they were to wear. Lady Elaine treated the whole thing in a listless, apathetic manner. “I have no special choice,” she said; “I shall leave the selection to my maid. I have no one to please.” “My dear Elaine, how ridiculous you are,” exclaimed Margaret Nugent. “You know that the viscount adores you.” “Silence!” the earl’s daughter said, sternly. “How can you speak in that way--you, who know all?”