After the first kissings and greetings were over, the old nurse (who had been left in charge at the lodgings) had some startling information to communicate, derived from the courier's wife.
'Here has been little Mrs.Ferrari, my dear, in a dreadful state of mind, inquiring when you would be back.

Her husband has left Lord Montbarry, without a word of warning--and nobody knows what has become of him.' Agnes looked at her in astonishment.

'Are you sure of what you are saying ?' she asked.
The nurse was quite sure.

'Why, Lord bless you! the news comes from the couriers' office in Golden Square--from the secretary, Miss Agnes, the secretary himself!' Hearing this, Agnes began to feel alarmed as well as surprised.

It was still early in the evening.