She could not understand his conduct, nor why he had gone to Paris--a fact attested by people who knew him.

It had probably been for some matter of business--that excuse which, in a woman's mind, explains almost any sudden journey a man may undertake.

But he was there in the castle now, and her heart was satisfied.
The men packed the things in the basket, and Corona was helped upon her mule.

Slowly the party descended the steep path that grew broader and more practicable as they neared the bottom; there the carriage awaited her, and soon she was bowling along the smooth road towards home, leaving far behind her the mounted guards, the peasants, and her slow-paced mule.
The sun was low when the carriage rolled under the archway of Astrardente.

Sister Gabrielle said Corona looked much the better for her excursion, and she added that she must be very strong to bear such fatigue so well.