"
Her husband only answered by a groan, and wrung Major Delavie's hand,
but their words were interrupted by Sir Amyas's return. He had been
to his uncle's chamber, and had found on the table a note addressed
to the Major. Within was a inclosure directed to A. Belamour, Esq.
"If you have found the way to the poor captive, for pity's sake
come to her rescue. Be in the court with your faithful black
by ten o'clock, and you may yet save on who loves and looks to
you."
On the outer sheet was written--
"I distrust this handwriting, and suspect a ruse. In case I do
not return, send for Hargrave, Sandys, Godfrey, as witnesses to
my sanity, and storm the fair one's fortress in person. A. B."
"It is not my Aurelia's writing," said the Major. "Bravest of friends,
what has he not dared on her account!"
"This is too much!" cried Mr. Wayland, striving in horror against his
convictions. "I cannot hear my beloved wife loaded with monstrous
suspicions in her absence!"
"I am sorry to say this is no new threat ever since poor Belamour has
crossed her path," said the Major.
"What have you done, sir!" asked Sir Amyas.
"I fear I have but wasted time," said the Major. "I have been to
Hanover Square, and getting no admittance there, I came back in the
hope you might be on the track with Betty--as, thank God, you were!
The first thing to be done now is to find what she has done with
Belamour," he added, rising up.
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