position would use it even under circumstances to all appearance more
aggravated than these.

"Why, must?" said I. "If the girl went of her own accord as some things
seem to show, why should you, no relative as you acknowledge, take the
matter so to heart as to insist she shall be followed and brought
back?"

She turned away, uneasily taking up and putting down some little
matters on the table before her. "Is it not enough that I promise to
pay for all expenses which a search will occasion, without my being
forced to declare just why I should be willing to do so? Am I bound
to tell you I love the girl? that I believe she has been taken away
by foul means, and that to her great suffering and distress? that
being fond of her and believing this, I am conscientious enough to
put every means I possess at the command of those who will recover
her?"

I was not satisfied with this but on that very account felt my
enthusiasm revive.

"But Mr. Blake? Surely he is the one to take this interest if
anybody."

"I have before said," returned she, paling however as she spoke, "that
Mr. Blake takes very little interest in his servants."

I cast another glance about the room. "How long have you been in this
house?" asked I.