“One of the gray nuns!” exclaimed his companion, his glance again seeking the slender, drooping figure—he had not noticed her dress when he looked before. “Oui, monsieur. It is a great trial to her friends, for she insisted upon adopting their dress, and was continually doing the strangest things in that character; but she is perfectly harmless, very gentle, very lovable, and beautiful as an angel. Would monsieur like to come nearer to get a better view of her?” The stranger nodded, and the two men moved down the room together, and ere long the sound of their footsteps fell distinctly upon Salome’s ear. She began to tremble violently now. There was no way of escape for her. If she turned to flee, she must confront them; but what could she do? a few steps more and they would be beside her. A shiver ran over her slight frame, then once more she dropped her face upon her hands, effectually concealing it from view, and stood thus, awaiting what would come next. They saw how excited she had become and they stopped, feeling that it would be unwise to go nearer to increase her agitation. But something about the drooping figure seemed suddenly to impress the stranger—some thought, some memory, made him turn eagerly to the attendant. “What does she call herself—what name has she been known by in this character?” he questioned. The quick, sharp, almost authoritative tone surprised the attendant, and caused him to observe his companion more closely. He was very pale, there was a startled look in his eye, his lips were compressed, his manner excited. “Sister Angela, monsieur——” “Sister Angela!” repeated the man in an eager, joyous tone, and he took a quick step forward, as if he would have sprung to the girl’s side. Then he evidently checked himself, as if it had occurred to him that he must do nothing to alarm or agitate the girl. “Stay!” he said. “I must speak with Dr. Arnot at once,” and turning, he retraced his steps, with a swift resolute tread, to the superintendent’s side. Salome, almost overcome with many conflicting emotions, had heard his question, also the attendant’s reply, and then Dr. Winthrop’s eager, joyous repetition of her name; for the stranger was he. It told her that he knew of her mysterious disappearance, that he had been anxious about her, and was now delighted to have found her. His glad tones made her heart beat tumultuously, and so increased her trembling that it seemed as if she must sink to the floor. Should she turn and claim her freedom? It seemed her only chance, and yet she hesitated. Ah! if she had but had her usual head-gear, her friendly cap, with its broad black frill, to conceal her face; if she had even had her colored spectacles to hide her eyes, she would not have lost a moment. As Sister Angela she would have thrown herself upon his protection, told how she had been entrapped, and beg him to save her.