"There must be no cessation of the search until that woman is found. I need not caution you to use great discretion," said the duke, earnestly, but wearily, like a man breaking down under an intolerable burden of mental anxiety. "Discretion is the very spirit of my business, your grace." "What is to be your next step?" "If your grace will permit me, I should like to examine the rooms of the lost lady, and I should like to question, singly and privately, the servants of the house." "A thorough search has been made of the premises, including the apartments of the duchess. And every domestic on the premises has been examined and cross-examined." "I do not doubt, your grace, that all this has been done as effectually as it could be done by any one, except a skillful and experienced detective; but if you will pardon me, I should like to make an examination and investigation in person." "Certainly, Mr. Setter. Every facility shall be afforded you," said the duke, touching the bell. A footman entered. The duke drew a card from his pocket and wrote upon it: "Detective Setter wishes to search the premises and cross-examine the servants. What does your ladyship say?" The duke then placed the card in the hand of the footman, saying: "Be so good as to take this to Lady Belgrade, and wait an answer." The servant bowed and left the room. "You are aware, Mr. Setter, that I am under the necessity of leaving London to-night, to attend the trial of Potts and Cameron to-morrow." "As a witness for the Crown. I am, your grace." "I shall get back to London as soon as possible. In the meantime, I wish you to pursue your investigations with the utmost diligence, sparing no expense. Report in person every morning and evening to Lady Belgrade in this house, and by telegraph to me at Lone, in Scotland. Use great discretion in wording your telegrams. Avoid the use of names, or titles, or, in fact, any terms, in referring to the duchess, that may identify her. I hope you understand me?" "Perfectly, your grace. I also understand how to speak and write in enigmas. It is a part of my profession to do so," answered Mr. Setter. The duke then drew out his portmonaie, opened it, selected two notes of fifty pounds each and put them in the hands of Setter, saying: "Here are one hundred pounds. Spare no expense in prosecuting this search. Draw on me if you have occasion." The detective bowed. At the same moment the footman re-entered the room, bringing a card on a silver waiter, which he handed to the duke. The duke took it and read: "Your grace surely forgets that, as the husband of the heiress, you are the absolute master of the house, and your will is law here. Do as you think proper." "You may go," said the duke to the messenger, who immediately retired. "Now, Mr. Setter, do you wish to search the premises, or examine the servants first?" inquired the duke.