Part I: Chapters XXI - XXIV Summary

Isabel wakes from a terrible nightmare to find that her sister Ruth is missing. It is late in the morning, and she cannot believe that she slept in so long. Why didn't anyone wake her? She races around the estate calling Ruth's name, but she cannot find her. Becky emerges, eyes red from weeping, and breaks the news: while Isabel slept last night, Madam Lockton sold Ruth to a family that has sent her to the West Indies. Isabel is outraged. She confronts Madam and demands an answer. Madam cannot believe Isabel would dare speak to her in that tone, and she tears a painting off the wall, hurling it at Isabel. Isabel turns and runs out of the house, heading straight for Colonel Regan's headquarters. She shouts the password and begs for...