"Yes, madam; that is what they call me. It would not seem natural to
be called by another."
"Very well," said Mrs. Clifton, with a smile which went to Jack's
heart at once, and made him think her, if anything, more beautiful
than Ida; "as Ida is your adopted sister, that makes us connected in
some way, doesn't it? I won't call you Mr. Crump, for that would
seem too formal. I will call you Jack."
To be called Jack by such a beautiful lady, who every day of her
life was accustomed to live in a state which he thought could not be
exceeded, even by royal state, almost upset our hero. Had Mrs.
Clifton been Queen Victoria herself, he could not have felt a
profounder respect and veneration for her than he did already.
"Now Jack," said Mrs. Clifton, "we must take measures immediately to
discover Ida. I want you to tell me about her disappearance from
your house, and what steps you have taken thus far towards finding
her out."
Jack began at the beginning, and described the appearance of Mrs.
Hardwick; how she had been permitted to carry Ida away under false
representations, and the manner in which he had tracked her to
Philadelphia. He spoke finally of her arrest, and her obstinate
refusal to impart any information as to Ida's whereabouts.
Mrs. Clifton listened attentively and anxiously. There were more
difficulties in the way than she had supposed.
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