“Adrian, surely you are crazy!” almost shrieked Lady Randal, at last. “You make such a _mésalliance_ as that!” “Call it whatever you choose, madam, but please remember when you speak of Miss Douglas in the future, that you are speaking of the future Lady of Dunforth,” he said, coldly, but proudly. Surely a nobler specimen of manhood never braved the world’s scorn than Adrian Dredmond at that moment; and poor Brownie, although in “durance vile” above them, might well look hopefully into the future, which should be passed by the side of such a noble defender as this. Turning to Sir Charles, he made a signal for him to follow him, and then, with a haughty bow to the assembled company, he withdrew. “Charles,” he exclaimed, seizing his friend’s hand when they were alone in the hall, “will you lend me your aid in this trouble? Something is wrong,” he went on speaking, in tones of anxiety; “she was expecting me to come to her, and I know she would never have gone away of her own accord.” “I am constrained to take that view of it now, after what you have told me; although I must confess, before you came, I was inclined to believe the very worst of her. I hope,” he added, with some uneasiness, “that you have not been deceived in Miss Douglas.” Adrian’s lips curled again. He knew what he had reference to. Sir Charles believed that something must be wrong or Mrs. Coolidge would not have spoken as she had done. “The future will disclose whether I have or not,” he replied, coldly. “You may depend upon me, Adrian, to do all in my power to unravel this mystery. Miss Douglas certainly appeared like a very lovely person, and until to-night I admired her very much, although I have rarely met her. Believe me, you have my sympathy,” and he meant it in more senses than one. “Thank you, but I am wild in trying to think what has become of the poor child. I am almost tempted to believe——” He checked himself suddenly. He was upon the point of saying he feared treachery on the part of the Coolidges; but, remembering that it would not do to speak of them thus in Sir Charles’ presence, he stopped. “What?” Sir Charles demanded, with a curious look. “I do not know what to believe,” Adrian said; then added, suddenly: “You may think what you choose concerning what I have told you to-night, and the world may say what it will, but Miss Douglas is of unexceptional parentage, and I shall marry her just as soon as I am fortunate enough to find her.” After a few more minutes spent in consultation as to the best means of seeking for the lost one Adrian departed, his heart filled well-nigh to bursting with grief, insulted affection, and anxiety. * * * * * “Mamma, did you ever hear anything like it?” demanded Isabel of her mother as soon as they could excuse themselves from the drawing-room and retire to their own rooms.