Mrs Prothero thought that the events of the past night had probably made her ill; and relenting from her somewhat severe feelings towards her, she went upstairs to see what was the matter.
Receiving no answer to her tap at the door, and call of 'Gladys,' she went into her little room.

She saw all neat as usual, and the bed unruffled.

Her heart misgave her, and she painfully remembered the morning of Netta's flight.

As if by instinct she went to the small dressing-table, and at once had her fears confirmed.

Very sadly she took up the pretty cap that was left there, and looked at the large piece of netting to which was appended a paper.