“But must I remain a prisoner here?” cried Edith. “Is there no law to free me--none whatever? After all, I am a British subject, and I have always understood that in England no one can be imprisoned without a trial.” “You are a ward, Miss Dalton, and guardians can control their wards, as parents control children.” “But parents can not control children who are of age.” [Illustration: “SUCH MISS DALTON, IS THE LAW!”] “A ward is under age till the time specified in the legal instrument that appoints the guardian. You, until marriage, are what the law calls an 'infant.' But do not be discouraged, Miss Dalton. We will hunt up Sir Lionel, and if he can be found we will bring him back to England.” Saying this, in the same dry, business-like tone that he had used all along, Barber bowed himself out. * * * * * CHAPTER XXIV. NEW OBLIGATIONS. That interview with the lawyer left Edith in a state of the deepest dejection. She had certainly not anticipated any thing like this. She expected that measures would at once be taken to carry on a contest with Wiggins, and give her her lawful rights, and above all her freedom. It never for a moment entered her mind to question the truth of a single statement that Barber had made. His whole communication with her was of the most business-like character, as it seemed to her, and she thought he must be eminent in his profession, or else Dudleigh would not have employed him. And this was the end of all that hope in which she had been indulging! Her freedom now seemed farther removed than ever. How could Sir Lionel ever be found? According to Dudleigh, he lived the life of a wanderer, and left no trace behind him. It was hard for her to think that her only hope depended upon finding him. On the following day Dudleigh came, looking as calm and as unruffled as usual. “Barber has gone back,” said he. “I knew before what he was going to tell you. I had not the heart to tell you myself, or even to be here when he was telling you.” “It might have saved me some disappointment if _you_ had told me.” “But the disappointment would have been as great, and I had not the heart to inflict sorrow myself upon _you_! I know, after Barber had explained it to me, how I felt; and I can form some idea of the nature of your feelings.” “So there is nothing to be done,” said Edith, with a sigh. “Pardon me, there is very much indeed to be done, though whether it will result in any thing remains to be seen.” “What can I do?” “Do? Why, as Barber said, hunt up Sir Lionel.” “I'll never find him.” “Yes, you can.” “How?” “By searching, of course. And that is what I have come about now.” “Have you thought of any thing new?” “No, nothing. I merely came to make a proposal.” “What is it?” asked Edith, languidly; for now there seemed no chance for any thing. “It is this,” said Dudleigh. “I propose, if you will allow me, to go myself.” “You!” exclaimed Edith, in great surprise. “Yes.”