"No; her bed has not been slept in to-night. She is in none of her rooms. When did you see her last?"
"About ten o'clock. She dismissed me for the night; she said she would undress herself."
"Where is Miss Silver?"
"In bed, I think, monsieur."
"Go to her—tell her I want to see her at once. Lose no time."
Claudine disappeared. Miss Silver was so very soundly asleep that it required five minutes rapping to rouse her. Once aroused, however, she threw on a dressing-gown, thrust her feet into slippers, and appeared before the baronet, with a pale, anxious, inquiring face.
"Where is my wife? Where is Lady Kingsland?"
"Good Heaven! is she not here?"
"No. You know where she is! Tell me, I command you!"
Sybilla Silver covered her face with both hands, and cowered before him with every sign of guilt.