.

THE SEARCH IN THE GROUNDS.
GRACE ROSEBERRY, still listening in the conservatory, saw the door open, and recognized the mistress of the house.

She softly drew back, and placed herself in safer hiding, beyond the range of view from the dining-room.
Lady Janet advanced no further than the threshold.

She stood there and looked at her nephew and her adopted daughter in stern silence.
Mercy dropped into the chair at her side.

Julian kept his place by her.
His mind was still stunned by the discovery that had burst on it; his eyes still rested on her in mute terror of inquiry.