“Come here, my dear girl,” he whispered, withdrawing her out of earshot of Erminie’s attendants. “I am inclined to be of your opinion in this matter. The result of our investigation is that no trace of a burglar can be found. Therefore I think your conjecture as to the presence of General Eastworth in the city, and his identity with the mysterious visitor of last night, may be founded in truth. His intimate knowledge of the interior arrangements of our house would certainly favor his visiting it in that secret manner.” “When I discovered that the visitor was not the doctor, I was convinced that it was Eastworth who came. I have not had a doubt about the matter since,” said Elfie. “Then you had better come with me and give information at the provost marshal’s office directly.” “Bless my soul and body! Well, I said I was willing to go, and I’ll go; but now it comes to the point I don’t like the office at all,” said Elfie, as she hurried off to get her bonnet and mantle. In a few minutes Justin took her out in a carriage to do the disagreeable duty he had recommended. They were gone but an hour, at the end of which Elfie returned in rather a bad humor, and Justin with a very grave face. They had both been subjected to a close cross examination. Elfie threw off her bonnet and mantle, and hurried into the room of Erminie, whom she found quietly sleeping. Catherine had the watch. “Where is Miss Conyers?” inquired Elfie. “I don’t know, ma’am. She hasn’t been in this room since breakfast.” “Strange! I’ll go and look for her,” said Elfie, rising, to leave the chamber. But at the door she met Britomarte, in a travelling dress, and looking very pale and haggard. “For Heaven’s sake, what is the matter?” exclaimed Elfie, starting back. “Is Erminie awake?” inquired Miss Conyers, disregarding her friend’s question. “No; but what is the matter with you, Britomarte?” “I have had news that will compel me to leave you to-day.” “To leave us to-day!” “Yes; but I must wait until Erminie awakes to take leave of her.” “Woman of mystery! what is your news and where are you going?” exclaimed Elfie, half in pity half in mirth. “You must excuse me from explaining, Elfie. You know, for I have told you, that there is a secret in my life. You must respect it,” said Britomarte, gravely. “There is more than one secret, I imagine. Well, I will respect them all, Britomarte,” said her companion. While they spoke, Erminie awoke, very much refreshed by her nap. “How do you feel, dearest?” inquired Miss Conyers. “Very well—full of returning life. But you—you look pale and sad, Britomarte. What troubles you?” anxiously inquired Erminie. “The duty of leaving you immediately, my darling. No, do not say a word to hinder me, love. You know that nothing but the most absolute necessity could induce me to go now; and that I must go,” said Miss Conyers, seeing that her friend was about to expostulate.