Madame Yvonett’s expressive look thanked him; then she faced Pauline. “Thee came uninvited to my house; thee has shown me more discourtesy than I have ever met with before--considering the source I am hardly surprised.” Pauline shrank back as she met the beautiful, scornful eyes. “Thee has dared to besmirk my niece’s character; for that I will never forgive thee. Thee may go.” “Oh, very well,” and tossing her head, Pauline left the room and house, banging the front door shut with a violence that shook windowpanes and pictures. There was a moment’s silence; then Madame Yvonett turned back to Duncan. “How can I ever thank thee?” she murmured brokenly. “By letting me see Miss Langdon,” taking her out-stretched hand. “But Marjorie is not here--I have not seen her since yesterday.” Duncan gazed incredulously at her, then a worried expression crossed his face. “Do you mean she has not been here at all today?” “Yes.” “But she told me when I met her she was coming straight here,” he protested. “She left me, for some unknown reason, at the Portland Drug Store and, I supposed, returned here.” “At what hour was that?” demanded Madame Yvonett, growing a shade paler. “About twenty minutes past one.” “Did she have any clothes with her?” “No, she only carried a hand-bag. Janet told me before I left the house that her things were still in her room.” “Did Marjorie seem distraught?” Madame Yvonett moistened her dry lips, a new terror tugging at her heart-strings. “No, only nervous.” The answer was reassuring, but Duncan’s manner was not, and with a low moan of anguish Madame Yvonett sank unconscious to the ground. Paul Potter sprang to Duncan’s assistance, and the two men, under Miss Rebekah’s frightened guidance, carried Madame Yvonett to her room. Once there the skilled physician took entire charge, and to Duncan’s immense relief, the Quakeress soon revived under his treatment. Potter followed Duncan as he tiptoed out into the upper hall. “Don’t wait around any longer,” he whispered. “I’ll stay here with Madame Yvonett until her regular physician arrives and the trained nurse you sent for. Do you still wish me to dine with you tonight?” “Of course; don’t fail me,” in some alarm. “I must have a long talk with you. Janet refuses to call off her dinner tonight, and father backs her up. Mother’s not strong enough today to be dragged into the discussion, or I would soon put an end to the affair. Look here, Paul,” drawing out a well-filled wallet and thrusting a handful of bills into his friend’s hand. “See that Madame Yvonett wants for nothing.” “I will,” promised Potter, and disappeared inside the sick-room. Miss Rebekah was sitting disconsolately in the lower hall as Duncan made his way to the front door. “How is Madame Yvonett?” she asked eagerly.