She knew where the Marquis had gone and knew with an absolute certainty that he had left with the Princess and that, unless she could save him, he had gone to his death!
“I have to leave now at once!” she said to Captain Gerrard.
“Will you not favour me first with a dance?” he asked.
“No, no,” Perdita cried, “I have to go home, it is of the utmost importance.”
She hurried ahead of him down the stairs. When they reached the front door, the Captain gave her name to the linkman.
“The Marchioness of Melsonby’s carriage,” the man shouted.
Captain Gerrard looked down at Perdita.
“You have forgotten your cloak,” he said. “Shall I fetch it?”
“It is of no consequence,” she said hastily, “I will call for it tomorrow.”
“But you may be cold – ” he began.
“Listen, Captain Gerrard,” Perdita sa
