CHAPTER XXVIII.
MAKK WTLDER'S SUBMISSION.
Every day the position grew more critical and embar-
rassing. The day appointed for the nuptials was now
very near, and the bridegroom not only out of sight but
wholly untraceable. What was to be done?
A long letter from Stanley Lake told Lord Chelford, in
detail, all the measures adopted by that energetic young
gentleman for the discovery of the truant knight: —
"I have been at his club repeatedly, as also at his
lodgings — still his, though he has not appeared there
since his arrival in town. The billiard-marker at his
club knows his haunts; and I have taken the liberty to
employ, through him, several persons who are acquainted
with his appearance, and, at my desire, frequent those
places with a view to discovering him, and bringing about
an interview with me.
"He was seen, I have reason to believe, a day or two
before my arrival here, at alow place called the "Millers'
Hall," in the City, where members of the "Fancy"
resort, at one of their orgies, but not since. I have left
notes for him wherever he is likely to call, entreating an
interview.
"On my arrival I was sanguine about finding him; but
I regret to say my hopes have very much declined, and I
begin to think he must have changed his quarters. If you
have heard from him within the last few days, perhaps you