CHAPTER XXI.
THE BRIDEGROOM.
According to his promise given to Lady Belgrade, the Duke of Hereward returned to Elmthorpe House to make his report.
He found the dowager waiting for him where he had left her, in the back drawing-room.
He greeted her only by a silent bow, and she questioned him only by a mute look.
"I have placed the case in the hands of Setter, confidentially, of course.

He will commence secret investigations to-night," he said.
"This morning, you mean, Duke.

It is now two o'clock," remarked the dowager.
"Is it, indeed, so late ?" "So early you should say.

Yes, it is.

But what thinks the detective of this affair ?" "He is inclined to think as we do, that our dear Salome has been decoyed away by some tale of extreme distress, and for purposes of robbery," answered the young duke, pressing his white lips firmly together in his effort to control all expression of the anguish that was secretly wringing his heart.
"And what does he think of the chances of finding her soon and finding her safe ?" inquired the dowager.
The duke slowly shook his head.
"Well, and what does that mean ?" asked the lady.
"It means that Detective Setter cannot form an opinion, or will not commit himself to the expression of one at present.