Their exclamations were increasing, until Adela, who had been the noisiest, suddenly adopted Lady Gosstre's tone.

"If she has gone, I suppose she must be simply fetched away." "Do you see what has happened ?" Lady Charlotte murmured to Wilfrid, between a phrase.
He stumbled over a little piece of gallantry.
"Excellent! But, say those things in French .-- Your dark-eyed maid has eloped.

She left the room five minutes after Captain Gambier." Wilfrid sprang to his feet, looking eagerly to the corners of the room.
"Pardon me," he said, and moved up to Lady Gosstre.

On the way he questioned himself why his heart should be beating at such a pace.
Standing at her ladyship's feet, he could scarcely speak.
"Yes, Wilfrid; go after her," said Adela, divining his object.
"By all means go," added Lady Gosstre.

"Now she is there, you may as well let her keep her promise; and then hurry her home.