human
Where is Nance, Dan?
gpt
I don't know, Dan replied.
human
I think she has gone over to see Mrs. Meath and stayed for breakfast.
gpt
Madame Meath--?
human
At the House on the Dunes,
gpt
A long walk for Mademoiselle on a cold morning,
human
Going to the Port to-day, Tom?
gpt
Not till later, any way; I am going down to the beach to have a look at that ship.
human
Wait a little, and I'll go with you,
gpt
Tom, something's up; Nancy's not here.
human
Nancy's not here; exclaimed Pembroke.
gpt
What do you mean? Where is she?
human
To tell the truth, I don't know where she is; her bed has not been slept in. I thought at first she had gone for a walk with the dogs as she does sometimes, but Boy and Girl are both in the barn. It's half-past eight now, and she ought to be back,
gpt
Good Lord! man, have you searched the house?
human
I've been over it from garret to cellar.
gpt
And you can't find her?
human
Not a sign of her.
gpt
Have you been through the north wing?
human
Yes, all over it. I have been in every room in the house, boy. Nance isn't there. You heard nothing in the night, did you?
gpt
Nothing.
human
When did you go to sleep?
gpt
Perhaps about half-past three. Come to think of it, I awoke at four with a start, for I heard a sleigh on the Port Road. After that I went to bed.
human
The sleigh hadn't been at the Inn?
gpt
It couldn't have been--I'd have heard of it if it had; you see it woke me up just going along the road.
human
I don't suppose we need worry. But it is queer--none of the servants have seen her since last night.
gpt
My God, what can have happened to her?
human
Sh, boy! We have nothing to go on, but I wager that old French devil knows more than he will tell.
gpt
Then, we'll choke it out of him.
human
No, no, don't be a fool! She may be back any minute. I'll get the sleigh and go over to the House on the Dunes. In the meanwhile don't show that you are anxious! I'll be back inside of an hour, and we can have a look at the ship. If Nance isn't with Mrs. Meath, why I am sure I'll find her here. Let's not worry till we have to.