'Don't come with me,' she said. 'Yes, you must let me. I was going to try and see you tonight, Lydia, to ask what--' 'And I wanted to see you. I felt I must tell you how well everything seemed to be going. Oh, and now--How shall I tell Gilbert? How _shall_ I tell him? What ought I to do, Mr. Ackroyd? Thyrza made me promise faithful I wouldn't tell her secret. She says that, in the note. I'm sure she hasn't gone--gone to him. She couldn't marry Gilbert, and yet she doesn't want him to lose the library. That's why she's gone; I know it is. She believes I shall keep my promise. But what must I do? How can I pretend I don't know anything?' 'I don't think you can.' 'I didn't care for anything as long as it helped her. Mr. Boddy sent for me just now--that was why I had to go out. Mrs. Bower had been telling him. I said it was all a lie from beginning to end. Didn't I do right, Mr. Ackroyd? I'd say and do anything for Thyrza. But how can I keep it from Gilbert flow?' 'You can't, Lydia. He's bound to hear from somebody. And if you feel so sure that she hasn't gone--' 'She hasn't She hasn't! You promised me you wouldn't think harm of her.' 'Indeed I won't. But Grail's bound to know. I can't see that you'll make it a bit better by denying.' 'But my promise to Thyrza! The last thing she ever asked of me. And Gilbert 'll refuse the place; I know he will!' 'Yes, he will. There's no man could take it after this. I'm right down sorry for poor Grail.' They were in Walnut Tree Walk by this time. 'Don't come any farther,' Lydia said. 'Thank you for being so kind to me. Here, take these things of your sister's; you can just carry them back--or I'll leave them, if you like.' 'No, you shan't have that trouble. If Gilbert's home you ought to tell him now. He'll go to the police station, and ask them to help to find her. Let me know at once If you hear anything. She may come back.' 'No, she won't.' 'Run into the house at once.' The parlour door opened as she entered the passage. Gilbert came out. 'Where has Thyrza gone to?' he asked, after examining her for an instant. She could not speak, and could not stir from the place. Her hope had been to have time before she saw him. 'Lydia, where has Thyrza gone?' She stepped into the room. The piece of paper was still crushed within her hand; she held it closer still. 'She's gone away, Gilbert. I don't know where. I had to go out, and when I came back she was gone. Perhaps she'll come back.' Mrs. Grail was in the background. She was supporting herself by a chair; her face gave proof of some agitation just experienced. Gilbert was very pale, but when Lydia ended he seemed to master himself and spoke with an unnatural calm. 'Have you heard anything,' he asked, 'of a calumny the Bowers have been spreading, about your sister and Mr. Egremont?' 'Yes. I have heard it.' 'When did it first come to your knowledge?' 'On Wednesday night. Mr. Ackroyd told me.' 'And did Thyrza hear of it?'