Mr.Van Schoonhoven, the bailiff, has pledged his honor to find him dead, or alive." Mary wept in silence, and heeded not the words of the duenna.
"Perhaps, my child," the old woman resumed, "this very day the doubt which has caused you so much suffering for five days may be cleared up.

Do not close your heart against all hope.

I remember that once an individual was sought for weeks, and found alive when there seemed almost a certainty of his death.

The bailiff was speaking of it this morning to your father, and I recollect having heard my parents relate it.

It happened to a banker, Liefmans, who was considered very wealthy." The young girl regarded the duenna with an air of doubt.
"They found him after several weeks of absence?
Had he gone on a journey without giving notice to any one ?" "No; he was discovered in the cellar of a house in the little by-street of Sureau.