"Let me go in here for a moment or two," said Richard, as they came abreast of the House; and as the door was thrown open, it was to show Mrs Glaire and Eve both standing dressed in the hall. "Oh, Mr Banks," exclaimed the latter, running to the old foreman, "this is very dreadful," and she caught one of his hands in hers. "Thanky'e, dear bairn, thanky'e," he said, smiling upon her with quivering lip. "But I saw her last night," cried Eve. "Ay? What time, miss, what time?" said Joe, eagerly. "About eight," said Eve, quickly. "She said, I think, that she was going to meet Richard." "She said that?" said the old man, starting, while Richard turned pale. "No, I remember," said Eve, piteously; "I told her she was going to meet him." "Yes, yes," said Joe, thoughtfully. "You were jealous of the poor bairn." Eve started back, blushing crimson. "But are you sure she has not been home, Joe Banks?" said Mrs Glaire, looking at him wistfully. "Sure, ay, quite sure," said Joe, sternly. "Here is the poor bairn's shawl, and her basket too. I'll leave 'em here, if you'll let me." He laid them down in the hall, and stepped out to where there was quite a crowd of workmen now, waiting to help in the search; but as they caught sight of Richard Glaire, who now came forward, there was a savage groan. "Ask him where he's put thee bairn, Joe Banks; he knows," cried a shrill voice, that of some woman; and another groan arose, making Richard draw back shivering. "Look at the white-faced coward," shouted a man. "Ask him, Joe Banks, ask him." "Nay, nay, lads," said the foreman, sternly. "Ye're aw wrong. I hev asked him, and he's told me. He knows nowt about the poor bairn." A murmur arose at this, but Joe Banks turned round to where Richard stood. "You come along o' me, Master Richard, and no one 'll lay a finger on thee whiles thou'rt by my side. He was at home aw night, lads, and it's not him as would do her harm." The little crowd seemed only half satisfied; but they gave place as, making an effort, the young man stepped out, and then in a purposeless way the search was about to begin, when there was a cheer given, for the vicar came hurrying up the street. He looked hot and flushed, and his eyes met those of Richard Glaire so sternly that, for the moment, the young man blushed, but he recovered himself directly, to give an insolent stare in return. "Mr Banks," exclaimed the vicar, "this is grievous news indeed;" and ignoring the foreman's half-distant manner, he shook his hand warmly. "Thanky, parson," said Joe, hoarsely. "You are about to make a general search, of course," he said; "but where are the police?" "One's gone across to station, and the other's up at the chalk pit," said a voice. "First of all," said the vicar, "did any one here see Daisy Banks after she went up the road?" There was silence for a few moments, and then Richard said firmly: "I saw her for a few moments up by the pit."