On leaving Poverty Villa, she turned her steps towards the main street of the village, and wondered where she would find Milly. It was yet light, a kind of luminous twilight, with a star-sprinkled heaven, and a gentle breeze sighing amid the trees. Few people were about, as it was now about nine o'clock, and the majority of Barnstead folk were within doors, lingering over their suppers. Iris paced slowly along, her head aching with nervous pain, and her heart full of anxiety. When she arrived in the square where St. Dunstan's Church was situated she paused in utter helplessness, for she knew not in which direction to look for the truant; nor for very shame could she ask any of the passers-by if they had seen the girl. For the moment she was completely at a loss what to do. Unexpectedly the chimes began to ring, and the clock of St. Dunstan's struck nine with slow and ponderous strokes. As Iris counted them idly, she fancied she heard the sharp sound of a distant shot, and, for the moment wondered who could be shooting at that late hour. But the deep tone of the church bell striking the hour confused her, and hearing no more shots she thought that she must have been dreaming. After a pause she pursued her way, and turned homeward. It struck Iris that Milly might have met Lovel by appointment, in which case the meeting, to elude observation, would undoubtedly take place on the outskirts of the village. Iris therefore made a detour, and walked homeward round by the common and through the sparse woods which fringed the town. But all to no purpose; not a sign of Milly or of anyone else could she see, and it was with a sigh that she reentered Barnstead streets on her way to the villa. As she passed the Herne Arms, she saw a carriage drive off, and as it whirled past her on the road to Marborough, she noted that it was occupied by a lady. However, as she did not recognize the face--which she saw indistinctly in the twilight--she took no further note of the incident. In a few moments she reached home, and was met at the door by Eliza in a great state of alarm. "Oh, miss, I am glad you've come," cried the servant. "Your pa's run out like a raging bull, and I was feared lest he could 'urt you." "I did not meet him," replied Iris, with a chill feeling in her heart. "Is Milly inside?" "No, mum; that's why I am feared. Your pa was screeching out something about you and Miss Milly, an' I did believe as he was wanting to murder you both." "Nonsense!" cried Iris irritably, as she entered the dining-room. "Dr. Lester is not well, and I daresay Miss Milly will be back soon. She--she has gone to see some friends," finished Iris, thinking she must make some excuse. "Well, I 'ope she's safe, miss," said Eliza, ominously, "for if she meets her pa he'll hurt 'er. Jus' like a mad lion he were, miss."