Sabin continued, "she left
me to go to New York for two days. Her milliner in Paris had sent
over, and twice a year Lucille used to buy clothes. I had
sometimes accompanied her, but she knew how I detested New York,
and this time she did not press me to go. She left me in the
highest spirits, as tender and gracefully affectionate as ever.
She never returned."
Helene started in her chair.
"Oh, UNCLE!" she cried.
"I have never seen her since," he repeated.
"Have you no clue? She could not have left you willingly. Have
you no idea where she is?"
He bowed his head slowly.
"Yes," he said, "I know where she is. She came to Europe with Lady
Carey. She is staying with the Duchess of Dorset."
"The Countess Radantz?" Helene cried.
"It was her maiden name," he answered.
There was a moment's silence. Helene was bewildered.
"Then you have seen her?"
He shook his head slowly.
"No. I did not even know where she was until you told me."
"But why do you wait a single moment?" she asked. "There must be
some explanation. Let me order a carriage now. I will drive
round to Dorset House with you."
She half rose. He held out his hand and checked her.
"There are other things to be explained," he said quickly. "Sit
down, Helene."
She obeyed him, mystified.
"For your own sake," he continued, "there are certain facts in
connection with this matter which I must withhold.
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