Her anxiety and perplexity were in no wise relieved upon reaching the convent, for neither the mother nor sisters could give her the slightest information, or suggest any solution to the mystery. Poor Harriet passed a sad and harrowing night. She could not close her eyes, neither could she rest. She composed herself sufficiently, however, to write to Dr. Winthrop, and went out to post the letter as soon as the day dawned. But the young physician had been scarcely less anxious than Salome’s faithful attendant. So all night long he, too, had been wakeful, restless, and anxious over Sister Angela’s strange disappearance. When morning broke he had worked himself into such a state of excitement that he could endure it no longer, though he concealed it so well that no one suspected the trouble upon his mind. At the breakfast-table Dr. Winthrop announced his intention of taking a drive, as the day was fine, and he thought the air and exercise would do him good. No one opposed him in this, and as soon as the meal was over he ordered his carriage, and, without inviting any one to accompany him, drove away. He had determined to go to Paris, to try and ascertain for himself what had become of Sister Angela. Harriet was greatly surprised when, in answer to a ring of the bell, she went to the door and found him standing there. She knew that he could not have received her letter, and for a moment a thrill of joy shot through her heart. But his first words blasted the little hope she had felt. “Did you find her?” he demanded almost curtly, and without waiting for any exchange of formalities. “No,” replied the woman, with a sad shake of her head; “and I’m almost sure that something dreadful has happened to her.” “Do not be discouraged,” he said more cheerfully than he felt; “we must find her, or at least gain some tidings of her, if we go systematically to work.” And he did go systematically to work at once. He sent his carriage back to the chateau with a message to his mother, telling her that he should remain in Paris for the present, as important business there demanded his attention. Then he sought the prefect of police, and related Salome’s story to him, telling him to spare no expense in searching for her, and keep him notified of any information which might be gained from day to day. More than this, he employed a couple of private detectives, hoping to gain some clew in this way. Madame Winthrop was greatly astonished when her son’s carriage returned to the chateau, and his man brought her the message which he had sent. “Why! we leave for Rome the day after to-morrow! What can he mean?” she exclaimed in dismay. Norman knew nothing of his brother’s plans or the business which detained him in Paris, and, with her curiosity excited to the highest pitch, and piqued besides because it was evident that he had no intention of accompanying the party to Rome, she immediately followed him to Paris where she had a somewhat exciting interview.