He circulated among the tables, smiling graciously at all his guests, took a turn in the garden, walking completely around the house in the process, circulated among his guests again, and then searched all the rooms in the house except the bedrooms and the servants’ quarters. There was no sign of them anywhere.Finally, as the dancing began again, he thought it wise to consult Raymore. Perhaps two heads would be better than one. He strolled across the ballroom, nodding at acquaintances as he went, and joined Raymore, who was standing talking to the parson and his wife. Standen too talked with them for a few minutes until he had the opportunity to draw Raymore aside. The two men went to the library.“Your ward has been missing for almost two hours,” Standen said, coming straight to the point. “She left the ballroom to walk in the garden with my brother for a few minutes. Neither has returned.”“Yes, I saw them leave,” Raymore replied, “and have been uneasy myself at their continued absence from the company.
