Only bring him to me, and then, who knows? I am a change: my love may revive his, and none of these pitiable precautions may be needed. They would lower us both."Ashmead groaned aloud. "I see," said he. "He'll soon clean you out. Ah, well! he can't rob you of your voice, and he can't rob you of your Ashmead."They soon reached Frankfort. Ashmead put her into a carriage as agreed, and went to the Russie.
Ina sat, with her veil down, in the carriage, and waited Ashmead's return with Severne. He was a long time coming. She began to doubt, and then to fear, and wonder why he was so long.
At last he came in sight.
He was alone.
As he drew nearer she saw his face was thoroughly downcast.
"My dear friend," he faltered, "you are out of luck to-day.""He will not come with you?"
"Oh, he would come fast enough, if he was there; but he is gone.""Gone! To Homburg?"
"No. Unfortunately, he is gone to England. Went off, by the fast train, an hour ago."Ina fell back in silence, just as if she had been struck in the face.
"He is traveling with an English family, and they have gone straight home. Here are their names. I looked in the visitors' book, and talked to the servant, and all. Mr. Vizard, Miss Vizard--""Vizard?"
"Yes--Miss Maitland, Miss Dover. See, I wrote them all down.""Oh, I am unfortunate! Why was I ever born?""Don't say that, don't say that. It is annoying: but we shall be able to trace him now; and, besides, I see other ways of getting hold of him."Ina broke in upon his talk. "Take me to the nearest church," she cried.