“Not he, Percival! While I am on the spot, and while that woman is in the neighbourhood, I will answer for our laying hands on her before Mr. Hartright⁠—even if he does come back. I see! yes, yes, I see! The finding of Anne Catherick is the first necessity⁠—make your mind easy about the rest. Your wife is here, under your thumb⁠—Miss Halcombe is inseparable from her, and is, therefore, under your thumb also⁠—and Mr. Hartright is out of the country. This invisible Anne of yours is all we have to think of for the present. You have made your inquiries?”

“Yes. I have been to her mother, I have ransacked the village⁠—and all to no purpose.”

“Is her mother to be depended on?”

“Yes.”

“She has told your secret once.”

“She won’t tell it again.”