changed, thank God! And she has done it."

"Who?" demanded his companion jealously.

"Octavia. Unconsciously, yet surely, she has done much for me, and this
year of seeming loss and misery has been the happiest, most profitable
of my life. I have often heard that afflictions were the best teachers,
and I believe it now."

Mrs. Snowdon shook her head sadly.

"Not always; they are tormentors to some. But don't preach, Maurice. I
am still a sinner, though you incline to sainthood, and I have one
question more to ask. What was it that took you and Jasper so suddenly
away from Paris?"

"That I can never tell you."

"I shall discover it for myself, then."

"It is impossible."

"Nothing is impossible to a determined woman."

"You can neither wring, surprise, nor bribe this secret from the two
persons who hold it. I beg of you to let it rest," said Treherne
earnestly.

"I have a clue, and I shall follow it; for I am convinced that something
is wrong, and you are--"