'The law, madam.

No brute force!' His cane made a furious whirl, cracking again on his legs, as he reiterated, 'The law!' 'Does the law advise you to strike at a tangent all over the country in search for her ?' inquired Lady Jocelyn.
Captain Evremonde became ten times more voluble and excited.
Mrs.Mel was heard by the Countess to say: 'Her ladyship does not know how to treat madmen.' Nor did Sir Franks and Sir John.

They began expostulating with him.
'A madman gets madder when you talk reason to him,' said Mrs.Mel.
And now the Countess stepped forward to Lady Jocelyn, and hoped she would not be thought impertinent in offering her opinion as to how this frantic person should be treated.

The case indeed looked urgent.

Many gentlemen considered themselves bound to approach and be ready in case of need.