"As for her," continued Sir Thomas, demurely; "she is far too fond
of Manners. I thought we should have trouble with her, for she has a
stubborn will."

"Like Lady Maude," exclaimed Sir George sententiously, "but go! Leave
me alone; you must be in the saddle early in the morning, and you at
all events require rest."

"Will nothing shake your determination?" pursued Stanley, as he looked
in unfeigned pity at the toil-worn, care-riven brow of the unfortunate
baron. "You will make yourself far worse else."

"I shall sit and wait. Send me in Father Nicholas, for he alone shall
bear me company."

"Well, well," he replied, "I would persuade thee if I could Sir
George, but since I cannot do that I will go, but you should rest,"
and leaving these words to ring in the baron's ears, the young
nobleman retired to his couch and left the baron alone.

The sun had not long risen ere he was with Sir George Vernon again.
His horse was ready to carry him once more upon the search, and he
himself was ready for the ride. He had expected to find the baron
asleep, but in this he was disappointed, for Sir George sat beside the
table deep in converse with the priest. Crowleigh had returned, and so
had the rest, but their tales were alike despondent; none of them had
discovered a trace, and good Father Nicholas had found it a difficult
task under the circumstances to revive the drooping spirit of his
master.