Sir Murray did not answer,--he merely bowed his head; for there was a battle going on in his breast--a strife between dread and mortification at having to humble himself before his own servants. It was hard work to arrest the groan that struggled for exit, and when the door closed on Sandy McCray and Jane, he sank back in his chair as if stunned. McCray felt that Sir Murray's silence gave consent, and that he was trusted. The trust, too, was not misplaced; for the Scot had obtained sufficient influence over Jane to reason her, in her calmer moments, into silence. "Supposing, even, that you're right, lassie, ye ken that the puir bodie we've lost wadna have wished ye to bring Sir Mooray to the gallows. But dinna ye fash yourself aboot it; it will all reet itself in time. Ye're sure o' naething, and ye've got your trust in hand; sae mind it weel, and leave the rest to me." Jane responded to this advice by weeping bitterly over the child, pressing it convulsively to her breast; and in that condition, the next morning, McCray left her, and sought the baronet, to find that he had never left the library. "The puir lassie was half daft last neet, Sir Mooray; but it's a' owre noo, and she's tending the bairn." "I wanted you, McCray!" exclaimed Sir Murray, the coming of the staunch servitor seeming to rouse him into life. "I am going to search in one direction: you arrange the men in parties, and leave no place unscoured. Give orders, too, that the great nets be brought out, and let the lake be dragged." He shuddered as he spoke these last words, and the gardener turned to go. "What time is it now?" inquired Sir Murray. "Just seven of the clock, Sir Mooray," was the reply; and then McCray took his departure, heedless of the supercilious looks bestowed upon him by one of the footmen, who could not understand what Sir Murray could be thinking about to have that great coarse gardener in the house, and treat him as an equal. But Sir Murray had placed matters in the right hands. Before half an hour had elapsed parties were organised, consisting of the servants and labourers from the farm close at hand; and a regular search was instituted, the land being methodically gone over--field and forest, bush and ditch. The lake was dragged in every direction, and hour after hour spent, but always with the same result--failure. There were not wanting those who asserted that my lady must have wandered right away, and the bounds of the search were extended, but still in vain; and at mid-day the parties rested for refreshment, and to determine upon some new plan of action. Meanwhile, a horse had been brought to the door; and mounting, Sir Murray rode hastily over to the Hall, where, for form's sake, he asked to see Captain Norton, and upon being told of his absence, requested to be shown in to Mrs Norton.