Hardly any one spoke; even the twins stayed much quieter than usual, because they were very fond of their sister. When they had finished eating, Mr Otis ordered them all to go to bed, even though the little Duke begged Mr Otis to let him stay up.

Mr Otis said that no-one could do anything more that night, and in the morning he would call Scotland Yard for some detectives to be sent immediately.

Just as they were leaving the dining-room, the clock tower began to ring for midnight. When the last ring sounded they heard a crash and a sudden scream; a dreadful blast of thunder shook the house, and unearthly music floated through the air.

A part of the wall at the top of the staircase flew back with a loud noise. Virginia stepped out onto the landing. She looked very pale and white, and she held a little box in her hand. In a moment they had all rushed up to her.

Mrs Otis held her passionately in her arms, the Duke covered her with kisses, and the twins did a wild dance round the group.

'Good heavens! Child, where have you been?' said Mr Otis, rather angrily, thinking that she had been playing some foolish trick on them. 'Cecil and I have been riding all over the country looking for you, and your mother has been frightened to death. You must never play these silly jokes again.'