Page:The Fate of Fenella (1892).djvu/175

 take him back to Guernsey with me at once. His mother's life may depend upon Ronny's presence."

Mrs. Grandison's countenance assumed an expression of sore perplexity. She felt that Lord Francis held her responsible for his son.

"Unfortunately," she said, "I have not the least idea where he has gone. The other day a lady came here–—"

"A lady!" he interrupted eagerly. "What kind of a one? Describe her personal appearance. It may give me a clew."

"She was not exactly a young woman, Frank; nevertheless she was very beautiful in a Southern, majestic style. Her eyes and hair were almost coal black, and she spoke with a foreign accent. In short, she looked like an Italian or Spaniard."

The wretched man groaned aloud. Too well he knew who his boy's abductor was, and his conscience told him that Lucille de Vigny's conduct was actuated by motives of revenge. She resented his desertion, and took this means of telling him so. He tottered to a chair, and sinking down on it, hid his face in his hands. Were the consequences of his imprudence ever to pursue him? Oh! it was horrible, horrible.

"Frank," said Mrs. Grandison, gazing at him in alarm, "do you know the lady? Is she an acquaintance of yours?"

He shuddered. "For my sins, yes. Would