And no search had been made, because it was believed that she was safe and happy with her heart's choice, Harry Hawthorne. But, instead, she had become the victim of a terrible doom. The horror of her apprehensions overcame the mother's heart, and she fell forward in a heavy swoon. When consciousness returned, she found herself lying flat on a couch, with Cissy bathing her forehead, and Hawthorne her hands, with _eau de cologne_. She felt very weak and helpless, but as consciousness returned to her she groaned despairingly. Hawthorne gave her a look of tender sympathy, and said: "Mrs. Fitzgerald, can you listen to me a few moments?" His gentle voice and manly looks inclined her heart toward him in spite of her prejudices against him, so she bowed her head affirmatively. He went on: "While we were trying to restore you to consciousness, Miss Carroll has told me the circumstances of Geraldine's disappearance. That note purporting to be from Geraldine was no doubt a forgery, and I fear she has fallen into the power of Clifford Standish." Mrs. Fitzgerald groaned. Cissy sobbed aloud, and although Hawthorne would not permit himself to break down like a woman, his voice was very husky as he proceeded: "A few more words and I must leave you, to institute a search for our missing darling. Will you bid me Godspeed?" "Yes, oh, yes," and she held out her hand to him voluntarily. When he took it he felt a warm, kindly pressure, and realized that in their common loss and sorrow humanity had triumphed over pride, and he could count on her as a true friend. Lord Putnam was momentarily forgotten. Releasing her hand, he added: