"It sounds like a scene from a melodrama. And Miss Dane has not returned
since?"
"No; and the household on Fifth Avenue are at their wits' end to
comprehend it."
"And so am I," said the artist. "From what you say, it is evident she
went willingly--of her own accord. In such a case, of course, I can do
nothing."
"She did not go willingly. I am certain she entered that carriage under
the impression she was going with you."
Mr. Ingelow's sensitive face reddened. He rose and walked to the window.
"But since it was not I, who do you suppose it may have been?"
"Doctor Oleander."
"No! He would not dare!"
"I don't know him," said Miriam; "but from what Mollie says of him, I
should judge him to be capable of anything. He loves her, and he is
madly jealous; and jealous men stop at nothing. Then, too, Mrs. Walraven
would aid him. She hates Mollie as only one woman can hate another."
"Doctor Oleander, then, must be the man who abducted her before, else
how could he keep the assignation?"
"Yes," said Miriam, "that is the worst of it. Poor Mollie! it will drive
her mad.
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