Of course, we need scarcely assure our intelligent readers, that the friends of the parties are the very last to whom such a scandal would be mentioned, not only because such an office is always painful, but because every one takes it for granted that they are already aware of it themselves.

In the case before us, such was the general opinion, and Sir Thomas's silence on the subject was imputed by some to the natural delicacy of a father in alluding to a subject so distressing, and by others to a calm, quiet spirit of vengeance, which he only restrained until circumstances should place him in a condition to crush the man who had entailed shame and disgrace upon his name and family.
Such was the state of circumstances upon the third or fourth morning after Lucy's disappearance, when Sir Thomas called the footman, and desired him to send Miss Gourlay's maid to him; he wished to speak with her.
By this, time it was known through the whole establishment that Lucy and she had both disappeared, and, thanks to Nancy--to pretty Nancy--"that her own father, the hard-hearted old wretch, had forced her off--God knows where--in the dead of night." The footman, who had taken Nancy's secret for granted; and, to tell the truth, he had it in the most agreeable and authentic shape--to wit, from her own sweet lips--and who could be base enough to doubt any communication so delightfully conveyed ?--the footman, we say, on hearing this command from his master, started a little, and in the confusion or forgetfulness of the moment, almost stared at him.
"What, sirrah," exclaimed the latter; "did you hear what I said ?" "I did, sir," replied the man, still more confused; "but, I thought, your honor, that--" "You despicable scoundrel!" said his master, stamping, "what means this?
You thought! What right, sir, have you to think, or to do anything but obey your orders from me.

It was not to think, sir, I brought you here, but to do your duty as footman.

Fetch Miss Gourlay's maid, sir, immediately.

Say I desire to speak with her." "She is not within, sir," replied the man trembling.
"Then where is she, sir?
Why is she absent from her charge ?" "I cannot tell, sir.