Nell of Shorne Mills

"Here is Drake!" said the countess. "He has been to Angleford to see the

police."

Nell drew away from the window quickly, and the countess went out as

Drake got down from the cart.

"How is he?" Nell heard him ask. Though she had moved from the window,

she could see him. He looked haggard and tired, and she saw the bruise

on his temple. Her heart beat fast, and she turned away and leaned her

arm on the mantelshelf. "And--and Miss Lorton?" he inquired, after the

countess had replied to his first question.

She lowered her voice.

"She looks very ill, but she is bearing up wonderfully. It is a terrible

strain for her, poor girl."

Drake nodded gloomily.

"Tell her that Sir William will be down by the midday train. And tell

her not to give up hope. I saw the wound, and----"

"Hush! She may hear," whispered the countess.

He glanced toward the window, and the color rose to his face.

"Is she there?" he asked.

"Yes. Would you like to see her?"

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes fixed on the ground; then he said,

rather stiffly: "No; she might think it an intrusion"--the countess stared at him. "No;

I won't trouble her. But please tell her that everything shall be done

for--him."

The countess accompanied him to the gate.

"You have been to the police?"

He nodded almost indifferently.

"Yes; the man is well known. We were flattered by the attentions of a

celebrated cracksman. I've seen the detective in charge of the case, and

given him all the particulars. He says that the men were assisted by

some one inside the house--one of the servants, he suggests."

The countess looked startled.

"Surely not, Drake! Who could it be?"

He shrugged his shoulders with the same indifference.

"Can't tell. It doesn't matter. I've sent the things to the bank, and

the other people will look after their jewels pretty closely after this.

I wouldn't worry myself, countess."

"But you are worrying, Drake!" she said shrewdly, as she looked at his

haggard face. "About this poor Mr. Falconer, of course!"

He started slightly, but he was too honest to assent.

"Partly; but there is no need for you to follow my example. I'll go on

now."

He got up and drove off, but slowly, and he put the horse to a walk as

he neared the house.