Riche looked very grave, and without another word to his companion walked slowly away into the house, with his hands clasped behind his back. Meeting one of the servants, Riche enquired if he could tell him where his master was to be found. "Yes, sir, he has just gone into the library." "Ah, here you are, Villebois. I have been looking for you in order to have a little serious talk before dinner." "Certainly, my dear fellow, but why the word 'serious'?" "Well, as a matter of fact," said Riche gravely, "there are several mysterious things happening here, and I thought that a talk about them between us alone might help to clear them up." "For example?" "In the first place something has happened to Renée." "What, something happened to Renée?" ejaculated Villebois. "No, no, there is no need for anxiety. I do not mean there is anything physically the matter. But Céleste has been confiding in me, and has told me that she found Renée weeping violently, and when Céleste asked the cause of such intense grief, it seems that Renée refused to give any explanation or even reply, and immediately locked herself in her room." "Oh, you are referring to her not coming down to dinner?" "Yes, I cannot imagine what is the reason for it all, but there is more besides. Young Duval's conduct has been so peculiar. Of course I have no right to criticise your guest, but I am rather uneasy in my mind. It seems to me that there is some mystery or some plot on foot. I have no proof of anything definite, but I confess that I do not like the present state of affairs." "Tut, tut, my dear Riche, something has evidently upset your digestion. All you want is a good dinner, and then you will regard the world through less jaundiced spectacles. I saw Renée myself about an hour ago, and she was as happy as possible." "My dear Villebois," replied Riche, "we are both clear-headed professional men, and we know that when the thermometer rises to 40 C. our patient is in danger, and so we at once set to work to discover the seat of the mischief." "Quite so, my dear Riche." "Now, please, just come along with me and have a talk with your daughter." So saying, Riche placed his arm in that of his friend, and together they strolled out on to the verandah where they found Céleste patiently waiting for the return of Riche. "Oh, papa, I am so glad that you are here, come and sit down and do tell me what has come over Renée." "My dear child, there is nothing the matter with your sister that I know of," said Villebois with surprise. "Why do you ask?" "Now, papa, there is something wrong with her. She was crying all yesterday afternoon, and refused to give me any reason for it. Is it possible that her father or young Pierre could have said anything to her?" "My dear little girl, why do you worry your pretty head over such things? Renée is as happy as she can be." "She may be now, papa; but she certainly was not so yesterday."