AnonymousTheLastoftheCostellosAfterseveralyears”serviceonthestaffofagreatdailynewspaperinSanFrancisco，GeraldFfrenchreturnedtohishomeinIrelandtoenjoyathreemonths”vacation。Abriefvisit，whenthetimeconsumedintravelingwasdeducted，andtheyoungjournalist，onthisJanuaryafternoon，realizedthatitwasnearlyover，andthathisfurtherstayinthecountryofhisbirthwasnowtobereckonedbydays。
　　Hehadbeenspendinganhourwithhisoldfriend，Dr。Lynn，andtheclergymanaccompaniedhimtothefootoftherectorylawn，andthence，throughawicketgatethatopeneduponthechurchyard，alongthenarrowpathamongthegraves。Itwasanobscurelittlecountryburying-ground，andveryancient。Thegrasssprangluxuriantfromthemoulderingdustofthreehundredyears；forsolongatleasthadthesefewacresbeenconsecratedtotheirpresentpurpose。
　　“Well，Iwon”tgoanyfurther，“saysDr。Lynn，haltingattheboundarywall，spannedbyaladder-likeflightofwoodenstepswhichconnectedthechurchyardwiththelittlebye-road。“I”llsaygoodevening，Gerald，andassureyouIappreciateyourkindnessincomingovertoseeastupidoldman。”
　　“Iwouldnothearthineenemysaythat，“quotedGeraldwithalightlaugh。“IhopetospendanotherdayaspleasantlybeforeIturnmybackonoldIreland。”Heranupthestepsashespokeandstoodonthetopofthewall，lookingbacktowavealastgreetingbeforehedescended。Suddenlyhestopped。
　　“What”sthat？“heasked，pointingdownamongthegraves。
　　Therectorturned，butthetallgrassandtallernettlesconcealedfromhisviewtheobject，whateveritmightbe，whichGeraldhadseenfromhistemporaryelevation。
　　“Itlookslikeacoffin，“andcomingrapidlydownagaintheyoungmanpushedhiswaythroughtherankgrowth。Theclergymanfollowed。
　　Inalittledepressionbetweenthemoundsoftwograveslayaplaincoffinofstainedwood。Itwasclosed，butanattempttomoveitshowedthatitwasnotempty。Anearerinspectionrevealedthatthelidwasnotscreweddownintheusualmanner，buthastilyfastenedwithnails。Dr。LynnandGeraldlookedateachother。
　　Therewassomethingmysteriousinthepresenceofthiscoffinaboveground。
　　“Hastherebeenafuneral——interrupted——oranythingofthatkind？“
　　askedGerald。
　　“Nothingofthesort。IwishBolanwerehere。Hemighthavesomethingtosayaboutit。”
　　Bolanwasthesexton。Geraldknewwherehelived，withinastone”sthrowofthespot，andvolunteeredtofetchhim。Dr。Lynnlookedalloverthesinisterblackbox，butnoplateormarkofanykindrewardedhissearch。Meanwhile，youngFfrenchspedalongthelowerroadtoBolan”shouse。
　　Thesextonwasin，justpreparingforasmokeincompanywiththelocalblacksmith，whenGeraldenteredwiththenewsoftheuncannydiscoveryinthechurchyard。ElevenyoungBolans，groupedaroundtheturffire，drankintheintelligenceandinstantlyscatteredtospreadthereportinelevendifferentdirections。AtaleconfidedtotheBolanhouseholdwasconfidedtorumor。
　　BlacksmithandsextonrosetogetherandaccompaniedGeraldtothespotwherehehadleftDr。Lynn，butDr。Lynnwasnolongeralone。
　　Therectorhadheardstepsintheroad；itwasaconstabularypatrolonitsround，andtheoldgentleman”shailhadbroughttwopolicementohisside。Theretheystood，profoundlypuzzledandcompletelyinthedark，exceptforthelightgivenbytheirbull”s-
　　eyelanterns。Buttheglareoftheselanternshadbeenseenfromtheroad。Somepeopleshunnedthem，aslightsinagraveyardshouldalwaysbeshunned；butothers，hearingvoices，hadsufferedtheircuriositytoovercometheirmisgivings，andweregatheredaround，silent，open-mouthed，wondering。SostoodthegroupwhenGeraldandhiscompanionsjoinedit。
　　InreplytogeneralquestionsBolanwasdumb。Inreplytoparticularinterrogationshedidnothesitatetoadmitthathewas“clanebate。”Gerald，seeingthatnoonehadventuredtotouchthegrimcasket，hintedthatitwouldbewelltoopenit。Therewasadubiousmurmurfromthecrowdandaglanceattheconstablesasthevisiblerepresentativesofthepowersthatbe。Theofficerstightenedtheirbeltsandseemedundecided，andDr。Lynntooktheleadwithaclear，distinctorder，“Takeoffthelid，Andy，“hesaid。
　　“An”whynot？Isn”thisriverinceamagistrate？Goin，Andy，yersowlye，andoffwidit。”Thusthecrowd。
　　Soencouraged，theblacksmithsteppedforward。Withoutmuchdifficultyhebursttheinsecurefasteningsandremovedthelid。
　　Theconstablesturnedtheirbull”s-eyesontheinsideofthecoffin。Thecrowdpressedforward，Geraldinthefrontrank。
　　Therewasanoccupant。Ayounggirl，whitewiththepallorofdeath，layunderthelightofthelanterns。Thefacewasasplacidandcomposedasifshehadjustfallenasleep，anditwasahandsomefacewithregularfeaturesandstronglydefinedblackeyebrows。Theformwasfullydressed，andtheclothesseemedexpensiveandfashionable。Afewravenlocksstraggledoutfrombeneathalacescarfwhichwastiedaroundthehead。Thehands，crossedbelowthebreast，wereneatlygloved。Thereshelay，amystery，fornotoneofthosepresenthadeverseenherfacebefore。
　　Murmursofwonderandsympathywentupfromthebystanders。“Ah，thepoorthing！““Isn”tshepurty？““Soyoung，too！““Musha，it”sthebeautifulangelsheisbethistime。”
　　“Doesanyoneknowher？“askedtherector；andthen，astherewasnoreply，heputaquestionthatwasdestinedformanyadaytoagitatetheneighborhoodofDrim，andringthroughthelengthandbreadthofIreland”Howdidshecomehere？“
　　Theinvestigationmadeatthemomentwasunsatisfactory。Thegrassonallsideshadbeentrampledandpresseddownbythecuriousthrong，andsuchtracksasthecoffin-bearershadmadewerecompletelyobliterated。Itwasclearlyacaseforthecoroner，andwhenthatofficialarrivedandtookchargethecrowdslowlydispersed。
　　Theinquestfurnishednonewlight。Medicaltestimonysweptawaythetheoryofmurder，fordeathwasprovedtohaveresultedfromorganicdiseaseoftheheart。Thecoffinmighthavebeenplacedwhereitwasfoundatanytimewithinthirty-sixhours，foritcouldnotbeshownthatanyonehadcrossedthechurchyardpathsincethemorningprevious，andindeedadozenmighthavepassedthatwaywithoutnoticingthatwhichGeraldonlydiscoveredthroughtheaccidentofhavinglookedbackatthemomentthathemountedthewall。Still，itdidnotseemlikelythatanobjectofsuchsizecouldhavelainlongunnoticed，andthedoctorswereofopinionthatthewomanhadbeenalivetwenty-fourhoursbeforeherbodywasfound。
　　Intheabsenceofsuspicionofanycrime——andthemedicalexaminationfurnishednone——interestcenteredinthequestionofidentity；andthiswassufficientlypuzzling。
　　Thestorygotintothenewspapers——intotheDublinpapers；
　　afterwardsintothegreatLondonjournals，andwaswidelydiscussedunderthetitleof“TheDrimChurchyardMystery，“butallthispublicityandathoroughinvestigationofthefewavailablecluesledtonothing。Noonewasmissing；widelydistributedphotographsofthedeceasedfoundnorecognition；andthequestwasfinallyabandonedevenintheimmediateneighborhood。Theunknowndeadsleptbeneaththeverysodonwhichtheyhadfoundher。
　　GeraldFfrench，who，likemostgoodjournalists，hadastronglydevelopeddetectiveinstinct，alonekeptthemysteryinmindandworkedatitincessantly。HedevotedthefewremainingdaysofhisstayinIrelandtoapatient，systematicinquiry，startingfromthecluesthathaddevelopedattheinquest。Hehadprovidedhimselfwithagoodphotographofthedeadgirl，andaminute，carefullywrittendescriptionofherapparel，fromthelacescarfwhichhadbeenwoundroundherheadtothedaintylittleFrenchbootsonherfeet。Thefirstexaminationhadproducednoresult。Railwayofficialsandhotel-keepers，suppliedwiththephotographs，couldnotsaythattheyhadeverseentheoriginalinlife。Eventhecoffin，acheap，ready-madeaffair，couldbetracedtonolocaldealerinsuchwares。Achatelainebag，slungroundthewaistofthedeadgirl，hadevidentlybeenmarkedwithinitials，fortheleathershowedtheholesinwhichthelettershadbeenfastened，andthetracesoftheknifeemployedintheirhurriedremoval。Buttheprettyfemininetriflewasempty，andinitspresentconditionhadnothingtosuggestsavethatadeterminedefforthadbeenmadetohidetheidentityofthedead。Thelinenonthecorpsewasnewandofgoodmaterial，bututterlywithoutmark。Onlyahandkerchiefwhichwasfoundinthepocketboreacoatofarmsexquisitelyembroideredonthecorner。
　　Theshieldshowedtheheadandshouldersofaknightwithvisorclosed，partyperfessoncounter-vair。Gerald，whosesmatteringofheraldrytoldhimsomuch，couldnotbesurethatthelinesoftheembroideryproperlyindicatedthecolorsoftheshield；buthewassanguinethatadevicesounusualwouldberecognizedbythelearnedinsuchmatters，and，havingcarefullysketchedit，hesentacopytotheHeralds”College，preservingtheoriginaldrawingforhisownuse。Thehandkerchiefitself，withtheotherthingsfoundonthebody，wasofcoursebeyondhisreach。
　　TheanswerfromtheHeralds”CollegearrivedadayortwobeforetheapproachingcloseofhisvacationforcedGeraldtoleaveIreland，buttheinformationfurnishedservedonlytomakethemysterydeeper。
　　Thearmshadbeenreadilyrecognizedfromhissketch，andthecollege，inreturnforhisfee，hadfurnishedhimwithanilluminateddrawing，showingthattheembroideryhadbeenaccurate。
　　Theshieldwaspartyperfess，argentabove，azurebelow，andfromthisGeraldconcludedthatthehandkerchiefhadbeenmarkedbysomeoneaccustomedtoblazonries；hethoughtitlikelythattheworkhadbeendoneinaFrenchconvent。Themotto，Nemomeimpunelacessit，appearedbelow。ThebearingsandcognizancewerethoseofthenoblefamilyofCostello，whichhadleftIrelandaboutthemiddleoftheseventeenthcenturyandhadsettledinSpain。ThelastrepresentativehadfallensomesixtyyearsagoatthebattleofVittoria，inthePeninsularwar，andthenamewasnowextinct。
　　SopronouncedtheunimpeachableauthorityoftheHeralds”College。
　　AndyetGeraldhadseenthoseveryarmsembroideredonahandkerchiefwhichhadbeenfoundinthepocketofanamelessgirl，whosecorpsehehimselfhadbeenthefirsttodiscoversometwoweeksbefore，inthelonelylittleburying-groundatDrim。Whatwashetothink？Throughwhatstrange，undreamed-oframificationswasthisaffairtobepursued？
　　Thedaybeforehisdeparture，Ffrenchwalkedovertotherectorytosaygood-byetoDr。Lynn。Geraldknewthattherectorwasanauthorityincountyhistory，andthoughtitpossiblethattheoldgentlemancouldtellhimsomethingabouttheCostellos，anamelinkedwithmanyaWestmeathtradition。Hewasnotdisappointed，andthemysteryhewasinvestigatingtookonanewinterestfromwhatheheard。TheCostelloshadbeenoneofthemidlandchieftainsinCromwell”stime；theclanhadofferedthemostdeterminedresistance，andithadbeenextirpatedrootandbranchbytheProtector。TheFfrenchestateofBallyvorehadonceformedportionoftheCostelloproperty，andhadbeenpurchasedbyGerald”sancestorfromtheCromwellianPuritantowhomithadbeengrantedonconfiscation。
　　Theyoungmanwasnowdeeplyinterestedintheinquiry，andtoithedevotedeverymovementofthetimehecouldstillcallhisown。
　　ButthelastdayofGerald”svisitslippedawaywithoutresult，andonefinemorningLarry，hisbrother”sservant，drovehimintoAthlonetotakethetrainforQueenstown。
　　“Ye”llnotbelettin”anothersixyearsgobywithoutcomin”homeagen，willye，sir？“saidthegroom，whowasreallyconcernedatGerald”sdeparture。
　　“Idon”tknow，“answeredGerald；“italldepends。Say，Larry！“
　　“Sir。”
　　“Keepaneyeout，andifanythingturnsupaboutthatdeadgirl，letmeknow，won”tyou？“Ffrenchhadalreadymadeasimilarrequestofhisbrother，buthewasdeterminedtoleavenochanceuntried。
　　“An”areyethinkin”ofthatyet，an”yougoin”toAmerica？“saidLarrywithadmiringwonder。
　　“OfcourseI”mthinkingofit。Ican”tgetitoutofmyhead，“
　　repliedGeraldimpatiently。
　　“Well，welld”yemindthatnow？“saidthegroommeditatively。
　　“Well，sir，ifanythingdoesturnup，I”llletyeknow，neverfear；
　　butsureshe”sundergroundnow，an”ifwe”dbeengoin”tolarnanythingaboutthematter，we”dha”haditlongago。”
　　GeraldshookhandswiththefaithfulLarryatparting，andleftasovereigninhispalm。
　　Thegroomwatchedthetrainmovingslowlyoutofthestation。
　　“It”samortalpitytoseeafineyoungjintlemanlikethatsofargoneinlovewithadeadgirl。”
　　ThiswasLarry”scommentonhisyoungmaster”sdetectivetastes。
　　AtQueenstownFfrenchboughtapaperandlookedoveritwhilethetenderwascarryinghim，incompanywithmanyaweepingemigrant，tothegreatsteameroutinthebay。FromtimetotimethejournalsstillcontainedreferencestothesubjectwhichwasuppermostinGerald”sthoughts。Thefamiliarwords，“TheDrimChurchyardMystery，“caughthiseye，andhereadabriefparagraph，whichhadnothingtosayexceptthatallinvestigationshadfailedtothrowanylightonthestrangebusiness。
　　“Ay，andwillfail，“hemused，asthetendercamealongsidethesteamer；“atanyrate，ifanythingisfoundoutitwon”tbebyme，forIshallbeinCalifornia，andIcanscarcelyrunacrossanycluesthere。”
　　Andyet，asGeraldpacedthedeck，andwatchedthebleakshoresofCorkfadinginthedistance，histhoughtswerefullofthebanishedCostellos，andhewonderedwithwhateyesthoseexileshadlookedtheirlastontheOldHeadofKinsaleaquarterofamillenniumago。Thosefierceoldchieftains，towhomtheFfrenches——proudcountyfamilyastheyesteemedthemselves——werebutasmushrooms；
　　whatliveshadtheylived，whatdeathshadtheydied，andhowcametheirhaughtycognizance，sowellexpressingitsdefiantmotto，onthehandkerchiefofthenamelessstrangerwhosleptinDrimchurchyard——Drim，theold，oldgraveyard；Drim，thathadbeenfencedinasGod”sacreinthedaysoftheCostellosthemselves？
　　Wasitmerechancethathadselectedthisspotasthelastresting-
　　placeofonewhoborethearmsoftherace？WasitpossiblethegirlhadsharedtheCostelloblood？
　　GeraldglancedoverhisletterfromtheHeralds”Collegeandshookhishead。Thefamilyhadbeenextinctformorethansixtyyears。
　　AbouttwomonthsafterGerald”sreturntoCaliforniaadespatchwasreceivedfromtheEveningMail”sregularcorrespondentinMarysville，relatingtheparticularsofanencounterbetweentheMexicanholdersofalargeranchinYubaCountyandcertainAmericanland-grabberswhohadsetupaclaimtoaportionoftheestate。ThematterwasincourseofadjudicationintheMarysvillecourts，buttheclaimants，impatientattheslowprocessofthelaw，hadendeavoredtoseizethedisputedlandbyforce。Shotshadbeenfired，bloodhadbeenspilled，andthewholeaffairaddednothingtoYubaCounty”sreputationforlawandorder。ThemattercreatedsometalkinSanFrancisco，andtheEveningMail，amongotherpapers，expresseditsopinioninoneofthosetrenchantpersonalarticleswhicharethespiceofWesternjournalism。Twoorthreedayslater，whentheincidenthadbeenalmostforgottenintheoffice，thecityeditorsentforGeraldFfrench。
　　“Ffrench，“saidthatgentleman，astheyoungmanapproachedhisdesk，“I”vejustreceivedaletterfromDonMiguely——y——somethingorother。Ican”treadhiswholename，anditdon”tmattermuch。
　　It”sVincenza，youknow，theownerofthatranchwheretheyhadtheshootingscrapetheotherday。Heisanxioustomakeastatementofthematterforpublication，andhascomedowntotheBayonpurpose。Supposeyougoandseewhathehastosay？He”sstayingattheLick。”
　　ThesamemorningGeraldsentuphiscardandwasusheredintotheapartmentofDonMiguelVincenzaattheLickHouse。
　　Thesenorwasayoungman，notmucholderthanGeraldhimself。Hehadtheappearanceandmannersofagentleman，asFfrenchquicklydiscovered，andhespokefluent，well-chosenEnglishwithscarcelyatraceofaccent，acircumstanceforwhichtheinterviewerfelthecouldnotbesufficientlygrateful。
　　“Ah，youarefromtheEveningMail，“saidtheyoungSpaniard，risingasGeraldentered；“mostkindofyoutocome，andtocomesopromptly。Won”tyoubeseated？Tryacigar。No？You”llexcusemeifIlightacigarette。Iwanttomakemyselfclear，andI”malwaysclearestwhenI”minacloud。”Hegavealittlelaugh，andwithonetwirlofhisslenderfingersheconvertedamorseloftissuepaperandapinchoftobaccointoacompactroll，whichhelighted，andexhaustedinhalf-a-dozenpuffsashespoke。
　　“Thisman，thisJenkinson”sclaimisperfectlypreposterous，“hebegan，“butIwon”tgointothat。Thematterisbeforethecourts。
　　WhatIwanttogiveyouisatruestatementofthatunfortunateaffairattheranch，withwhich，Ibegyoutobelieve，Ihadnothingwhatevertodo。”
　　SenorVincenza”stalemighthavehadthemeritoftruth；itcertainlylackedthatofbrevity。Hetalkedon，rollingafreshcigaretteateverysecondsentence，andGeraldmadenotesofsuchpointsasheconsideredimportant，butattheconclusionoftheSpaniard”sstatementthejournalistcouldnotseethatithaddifferedmuchfromthepublishedaccounts，andhetoldtheotherasmuch。
　　“Well，yousee，“saidVincenza，“Iaminadelicateposition。ItisnotasifIwereactingformyself。Iamonlymysister”sagent——myhalf-sister”s，Ishouldsay——poorlittleCatalina；“andthespeakerbrokeoffwithasighandrolledafreshcigarettebeforeheresumed。
　　“It”sherproperty，allofit，andIcannotbeartohavehermisrepresentedinanyway。”
　　“Iunderstand，“saidGerald，makinganoteofthefact。“Theproperty，Isuppose，passedtoyoursisterfrom”
　　“Fromherfather。Iwasinthelandofthelivingsomeyearsbeforehemetandwooedandwonmywidowedmother。Theyarebothdeadnow，andCatalinahasnonebutmyselftolookoutforher，exceptdistantrelativesonthefather”sside，whowillinheritthepropertyifshediesunmarried，andwhomshecordiallydetests。”
　　Geraldwasnotparticularlyromantic，buttheideaofthisfairyoungSpaniard，ownerofoneofthefinestranchesinYubaCounty，unmarried，andhandsometoo，ifshewereanythinglikehermother，inflamedhisimaginationalittle。Heshookhandscordiallywiththeyoungmanasherosetogo，andcouldnothelpwishingtheywerebetteracquainted。
　　“YoumaybesureIwillpublishyourstatementexactlyasyouhavegivenittome，andasfullyaspossible，“saidGerald。Beforetheyoungheiresshadbeenmentioned，thejournalisthadscarcelyseenmaterialenoughintheinterviewforaparagraph。
　　ItisfairtopresumethatSenorVincenzawassatisfiedwiththetreatmenthereceivedintheEveningMail，forapolitenoteconveyedtoFfrenchtheexpressionofhisthanks。Sothatincidentpassedintothelimboofforgetfulness，thoughGeraldafterwardstookmoreinterestinthenewspaperparagraphs，oftenscantenough，whichtoldoftheprogressofthegreatlandcaseintheMarysvillecourts。
　　Acurtdespatch，wordedwiththatexasperatingbrevitywhichisapeculiarityofallbutthemostimportanttelegrams，woundupthematterwithanannouncementthatadecisionhadbeenreachedinfavorofthedefendant，andthatMr。IsaacHall，ofthelawfirmofHallandMcGowan，hadreturnedtoSanFrancisco，havingconductedthecasetoasuccessfulissue。Geraldwaspleasedtohearthattheyoungladyhadbeensustainedinherrights，anddeterminedtointerviewMr。Hall，withwhomhewaswellacquainted。Accordingly，aftertwoorthreeunsuccessfulattempts，hemanagedtocatchthebusylawyerwithhalfanhour”ssparetimeonhishands，andwellenoughdisposedtowelcomehisyoungfriend。
　　“Mr。Hall，“saidGerald，droppingintothesparechairintheattorney”sprivateroom，“IwanttoaskyouafewquestionsaboutthatMarysvillelandcase。”
　　“Fireahead，myboy；Icangiveyoutwentyminutes，“answeredthelawyer，whowasdisposedtomakeagreatdealmoreofthevictoryhehadwonthanthenewspapershadhithertodone，andwhowasconsequentlybynomeansaversefromaninterview。“Whatdoyouwanttoknow？“
　　“Hardfight，wasn”tit？“askedthejournalist。
　　“Yes，“repliedMr。Hall，“toughinaway；butwehadrightonoursideaswellaspossession。Agoodlawyeroughtalwaystowinwhenhehasthose；tobeatlawandfactsandeverythingelseisharderscratching；thoughI”vedonethattoo，“andtheoldgentlemanchuckledasifwellsatisfiedwithhimself。
　　“That”swhatyouropponentshadtodohere，Isuppose？“remarkedGerald，echoingtheother”slaugh。
　　“Prettymuch，onlytheydidn”tdoit，“saidthelawyer。
　　“ImetVincenzawhenhewasdownlastmonth，“pursuedGerald。“Heseemsadecentishsortofafellowforagreaser。”
　　“He”snogreaser；he”sapure-bloodedCastilian，andverymuchofthegentleman，“answeredHall。
　　“SoIfoundhim，“saidGerald。“Ionlyusedthe”greaser”asagenericterm。HetalksEnglishaswellasIdo。”
　　“That”sagreatcomplimentfromanIrishman，“remarkedMr。Hallwithanotherchuckle。
　　“Isupposethesister”sjustasniceinherownway，“wentonGerald，seeinganopportunitytosatisfyacertaincuriosityhehadfeltabouttheheiresssincehefirstheardofherexistence。“Didshemakeagoodwitness？“
　　“Who？Whatsister？Whatthedeuceareyoutalkingabout？“askedthelawyer。
　　“Why，Vincenza”ssister，half-sister，whateversheis。I
　　understoodfromhimthatshewastherealowneroftheproperty。”
　　“Oh，ay，tobesure，“saidMr。Hallslowly；“thesedetailsescapeone。Vincenzawasmyclient；heactsforthegirlunderpowerofattorney，andreallyhernamehashardlycomeupsincetheverybeginningofthecase。”
　　“Youdidn”tseeher，then？“saidGerald，consciousofavaguesenseofdisappointment。
　　“Seeher？“repeatedthelawyer。“No；howcouldI？She”sinEuropeforeducationaladvantages——ataconventsomewhere，Ibelieve。”
　　“Oh，“saidGerald，“achild，isshe？Ihadfancied，Idon”tknowwhy，thatshewasagrown-upyounglady。”
　　“Icouldn”ttellyouwhatherageis，butitmustbeovertwenty-
　　oneorshecouldn”thaveexecutedthepowerofattorney，andthatwaslookedintoatthestartandfoundquiteregular。”
　　“Isee，“repliedGeraldslowly；butthetopichadstartedMr。Hallonafreshtrail，andhebrokein——
　　“Anditwastheonlythinginorderinthewholebusiness。Doyouknowwecamewithinanaceoflosing，allthroughtheirconfoundedcarelesswayofkeepingtheirpapers？“
　　“Howdidtheykeepthem？“inquiredGeraldlistlessly。Thesuitappearedtobeacommonplaceone，andtheyoungman”sinterestbegantowane。
　　“Theydidn”tkeepthematall，“exclaimedMr。Hallindignantly。
　　“Fancy，theoriginaldeed——theoldSpanishgrant——theverykeystoneofourcase，wasnottobefoundtillthelastmoment，andthenonlybythemerestaccident，andwheredoyousupposeitwas？“
　　“Ihaven”tanidea，“answeredGerald，stiflingayawn。
　　“AtthebackofanoldprintoftheMadonna。Ithadbeenframedandhungupasanornament，Isuppose，Heavenknowswhen；andby-
　　and-bysomesmartAleckcamealongandthoughtthemotherandchildsuperiorasaworkofartandslappeditintotheframeoverthedeed，andthereithashungfortenyearsanyhow。”
　　“That”sreallyverycurious，“saidGerald，whoseattentionbegantoreviveashesawapossiblecolumntobecompiledonthedetailsofthecasethathadseemedsouninterestingtohiscontemporaries。
　　“Curious！Icallitsinful——positivelywicked，“saidtheoldgentlemanwrathfully。“Justfancytwohundredthousanddollarshangingontheaccidentoffindingaparchmentinsuchaplaceasthat。”
　　“Howdidyouhappentofindit？“askedGerald。“Ishouldneverhavethoughtoflookingforitthere。”
　　“No；noranyothersaneman，“sputteredthelawyer，irritated，asherecalledtheanxietythemissingdeedhadcausedhim。“Itwasfoundbyaccident，Itellyou。Someblundering，awkward，heaven-
　　guidedservantknockedthepicturedownandbroketheframe。TheMadonnawasremoved，andthemissingpapercametolight。”
　　“Andthatwastheturning-pointofthecase。Veryinterestingindeed，“saidGerald，whosawintheworkingoutofthislegalromanceabitofdetectivewritingsuchashissoulloved。“I
　　supposethey”llhavesenseenoughtoputitinasaferplacenexttime？“
　　“Iwill，youmaybetyourlife。I”vetakenchargeofallthefamilydocuments；andiftheygetawayfromme，they”lldosomethingthatnothing”severdonebefore；“andtheoldlawyerchuckledwithrenewedsatisfactionashepointedtothemassivesafeinacorneroftheoffice。
　　“Sothedeedisthere，isit？“askedGerald，followingMr。Hall”seyes。
　　“Yes，it”sthere。Acuriousolddocumenttoo；oneoftheoldestgrantsIhaveevercomeacross。Wouldyouliketoseeit？“andthelawyerroseandopenedthesafe。
　　ItwasacuriousolddocumentdrawnupincuriousoldSpanish，onanolddiscoloredpieceofparchment。ThebodyoftheinstrumentwasunintelligibletoFfrench，butdowninonecornerwassomethingthatrivetedhisattentioninamomentandseemedtomakehisheartstandstill。
　　Therewasasignatureinold-fashionedangularhandwriting，RodriguezCostelloyUgarte，andoppositetoitalarge，spreadingseal。Theimpressionshowedaknight”sheadandshouldersinfullarmor，belowitthemotto，Nemomeimpunelacessit，andashieldofarms，partyperfess，azurebelow，argentabove，counter-vairontheargent。PointforpointtheidenticalblazonrywhichFfrenchhadreceivedfromtheHeralds”CollegeinEngland——theshieldthathehadfirstseenembroideredonthedeadgirl”shandkerchiefatDrim。
　　“What”sthematterwithyou？Didn”tyoueverseeanoldSpanishdeedbefore，orhasitanyofthepropertiesofMedusa”shead？“
　　inquiredMr。Hall，noticingGerald”sstartofamazementandintentscrutinyoftheseal。
　　“I”veseenthesearmsbefore，“saidtheyoungmanslowly。“Butthename”Heplacedhisfingeronthesignature。“Ofcourse，IknewVincenza”snamemustbedifferentfromhishalf-sister”s；butisthathers？“
　　“Ugarte？Yes，“saidthelawyer，glancingattheparchment。
　　“Imeanthewholename，“andGeraldpointedagain。
　　“Costello！“Mr。HallgavetheworditsSpanishpronunciation，“Costelyo，“anditsoundedstrangeandforeignintheyoungman”sears。“Costello，yes，Isupposeso；butIdon”ttrytokeeptrackofmoreoftheseSpaniards”titlesthanisabsolutelynecessary。”
　　“ButCostelloisanIrishname，“saidGerald。
　　“Isit？Yououghttoknow。WellCostelyoisSpanish；andnow，mydearboy，Imustpositivelyturnyouout。”
　　Geraldwentstraighthomewithoutreturningtotheoffice。
　　Heunlockedhisdesk，andtookfromitthetworesultsofhisfirstessayindetectivecraft。Silentlyhelaidthemsidebysideandscrutinizedeachcloselyinturn。Thepale，setfaceofthebeautifuldead，asreproducedbythephotographer”sart，toldhimnothing。Hestrovetotracesomeresemblance，toawakensomememory，bylonggazingatthepassionlessfeatures，butitwasinvain。Thenheturnedtotheilluminatedshield。Everylinewasfamiliartohim，andaglancesufficed。Itwasidenticalinallrespectswiththearmsontheseal。Ofthishehadbeenalreadyconvinced，andhisrecollectionhadnotbetrayedhim。Thenheplacedthetwo——thepiteousphotographandtheproudblazonry——inhispocket-book，andlefttheroom。ThesameeveninghetookhisplaceontheSacramentotrainenrouteforMarysville。
　　WhenGeraldreachedSanLuis，thepostofficeaddressoftheUgarteranch，adisappointmentawaitedhim。Eveningwasfalling，andinquiryelicitedthefactthatDonVincenza”sresidencewasstilltwelvemilesdistant。Ffrench，afterhisdriveofeighteenmilesoverthedustyroadfromMarysville，waslittleinclinedtogofurther，soheputuphishorseataliverystable，resolvedtomakethebestofsuchaccommodationsasSanLuisafforded。
　　ThefaceofthemanwhotookthereinswhenFfrenchalightedseemedfamiliar。Theyoungfellowlookedcloserathim，anditwasevidenttherecognitionwasmutual，forthestablemanaccostedhimbyname，andinthebroad，familiardialectofwesternLeinster。
　　“MayIniverateanotherbitifitisn”tMastherGeraldFfrench！“
　　hesaid。“Well，well，well，butit”sgoodforsoreeyestoseeye。
　　Comeouthere，Steve，an”taketheteam。Jumpdown，MastherGerald，an”stretchyerlegsabit。It”skiltyeareentirely。”
　　AswarthylittleMexicanappeared，andledthetiredhorsesintothestable。Thentheyoungjournalisttookagoodlookatthemanwhoseemedtoknowhimsowell，andendeavored，asthephrasegoes，to“placehim。”
　　“Yedon”tmindme，yerhonor，an”howwudye？ButImindyersilfwell。Sureit”softenI”vedruvyeandMr。Edwardtoo。IusedtowurrukforMr。RossofMullinger。IwasDennythepostboy——DenisDriscoll，yerhonor；sureyemustknowme？“
　　“Ohyes，tobesure——Iremember，“saidGerald，asrecollectionslowlydawneduponhim。“Butwho”dhavethoughtoffindingyouinaplacelikethis？Ididn”tevenknowyou”dleftRoss”sstables。”
　　“Sixorsivenmonthsago，yerhonor。”
　　“Andhaveyoubeenhereeversince？Ihopeyouaredoingwell，“
　　saidGerald。
　　“Iversince，sor，an”doin”finely，widtheblessin”o”God。Iownthatplace，“pointingtothestable，“an”fourasgoodturnoutsasye”daxtositbehind。”
　　“I”mgladofit，“saidGeraldheartily。“Iliketohearoftheboysfromtheoldneighborhooddoingwell。”
　　“Won”tyestepinside，sor，an”thryadropofsomething？Yemustbechokedintirelywidthedust。”
　　“Idon”tcareifIdo，“answeredGerald。“IfeelprettymuchasifI”dswallowedalimekiln。”
　　AminutelaterthetwowereseatedinDenny”sownparticularroom，whereGeraldwashedthedustfromhisthroatwithsomecapitalbottledbeer，whilehishostpaidattentiontoalargedemijohnwhichcontained，asheinformedthejournalistinanimpressivewhisper，“closeontoagallonoftherealouldstuff。”
　　Theirconversationextendedfarintothenight；butlongbeforetheyseparatedGeraldinducedDennytodespatchhisMexicanhelper，onagoodmustang，totheUgarteranch，bearingtoSenorVincenzaMr。Ffrench”scard，onwhichwerepenciledthewords：“PleasecomeovertoSanLuisassoonaspossible。Mostimportantbusiness。”
　　Forthetaletoldbytheex-postboy，hischangeofresidenceandpresentprosperity，seemedtothrowacuriouslightontheDrimchurchyardmystery。
　　SenorVincenzaappearedthefollowingmorningjustasGeraldhadfinishedbreakfast。TherancherorememberedtherepresentativeoftheEveningMailandgreetedhimcordially，expressinghissurpriseatGerald”spresenceinthatpartofthecountry。TheSpaniardevidentlyimaginedthatthisunexpectedvisithadsomebearingontherecentlydecidedlawsuit，buttheother”sfirstwordsdispelledtheillusion。
　　“SenorVincenza，“Ffrenchsaid，“Ihaveheardaverystrangestoryaboutyoursister，andIhavecometoaskyouforanexplanationofit。”
　　TheyoungSpaniardchangedcolorandlookeduneasilyatthejournalist。
　　“Whatdoyoumean？“heasked。“Idonotunderstandyou。MysisterisinEurope。”
　　“Yes，“answeredGerald，“sheisinEurope——inIreland。ShefillsanamelessgraveinDrimchurchyard。”
　　Vincenzaleapedtohisfeet，andthecigarettehehadlighteddroppedfromhisfingers。TheywereinGerald”sroomatthehotel，andtheyoungmanhadplacedhisvisitorsothatthetablewasbetweenthem。Hesuspectedthathemighthavetodealwithadesperateman。Vincenzaleanedoverthenarrowtable，andhisbreathblewhotinFfrench”sfaceashehissed，“Carambo！Whatdoyoumean？Howmuchdoyouknow？“
　　“Iknoweverything。IknowhowshediedinthecarriageonyourwayfromMullingar；howyoupurchasedacoffinandbribedtheundertakertosilence；howyoulaidher，inthedeadofnight，amongtheweedsinthegraveyard；howyoucuthernamefromthechatelainebag，anddidallinyourpowertohideheridentity，evencarryingoffwithyouthepostboywhodroveyouandaidedyoutoplaceherwhereshewasfound。Doyourecognizethatphotograph？Haveyoueverseenthatcoat-of-armsbefore？“andFfrenchdrewthetwocardsfromhispocketandofferedthemtoVincenza。
　　TheSpaniardbrushedthemimpatientlyasideandcrouchedforamomentasiftospring。Geraldnevertookhiseyesoffhim，andpresentlytheotherstraightenedup，and，sinkingintothechairbehindhim，attemptedtorollacigarette。Buthishandtrembled，andhalfthetobaccowasspilledonthefloor。
　　“Youknowagreatdeal，Mr。GeraldFfrench。Doyouaccusemeofmysister”smurder？“
　　“No，“answeredGerald。“Shediedfromnaturalcauses。ButIdoaccuseyouoffraudulentlywithholdingthispropertyfromitsrightfulowners，andofactingonapowerofattorneywhichhasbeencancelledbythedeathofthegiver。”
　　Therewasamoment”ssilence，brokenonlybyamutteredoathfromVincenzaashethrewtheunfinishedcigarettetotheground，andbegantorollanother，thistimewithbettersuccess。Itwasnottillitwasfairlyalightthathespokeagain。
　　Listentome，youngman，“hesaid，“andthenjudgemeasyouhopetobejudgedhereafter——withmercy。Mysisterwasverydeartome；
　　Ilovedher，OGod，howIlovedher！“Hisvoicebroke，andGerald，recallingcertaindetailsofDenny”snarrative，feltthattheSpaniardwasspeakingthetruth。ItwasnearlyaminutebeforeVincenzarecoveredhisself-commandandresumed。
　　“Yes，wewereverydeartoeachother；broughtupasbrotherandsister，howcouldwefailtobe？Butherfatherneverlikedme，andheplacedrestrictionsuponthefortunehelefthersothatitcouldnevercometome。Mymother——ourmother——haddiedsomeyearsbefore。Well，Catalinawaswealthy；Iwasapauper，butthatmadenodifferencewhileshelived。Wewereashappyandfondabrotherandsisterasthesunevershoneupon。Whenshecameofagesheexecutedthepowerofattorneythatgavemethechargeofherestate。ShewasanxioustospendafewyearsinEurope。Iwastotakeherover，andafterwehadtraveledalittleshewastogotoaconventinFranceandspendsometimetherewhileIreturnedhome。ButshewasoneoftheoldCostellos，andshewasanxioustovisittheancienthomeofherrace。ThatwaswhatbroughtustoIreland。”
　　“IthoughttheCostellofamilywasextinct，“saidGerald。
　　“TheEuropeanbranchhasbeenextinctsince1813，whenDonLopezCostellofellatVittoria；buttheyoungerbranch，whichsettledinMexicotowardstheendoftheeighteenthcentury，surviveduntilafewmonthsago——untilCatalina”sdeath，infact，forshewasthelastoftheCostellos。”
　　“Isee，“saidGerald；“goon。”
　　“Shewasveryproudofthename，poorCatalina，andshemademepromiseincaseanythinghappenedtoherwhilewewereabroadthatsheshouldbelaidintheancientgraveofherrace——inthechurchyardofDrim。Shehadaweakheart，andsheknewthatshemightdiesuddenly。Ipromised。Anditwasonourwaytothespotshewassoanxioustovisitthatdeathclaimedher，onlyafewmilesfromtheplacewhereherancestorshadlivedintheolddays，andwhereallthatremainsofthemhaslongmoulderedtodust。Soyousee，Mr。Ffrench，thatIhadnochoicebuttolayherthere。”
　　“Thatisnotthepoint，“saidGerald；“whythissecrecy？Whythisflight？Dr。Lynn，Iamsure，wouldhaveenabledyoutoobeyyoursister”srequestinthefulllightofday；youneednothavethrownhercoffinonthegroundandlefttostrangersthetaskofdoingforthepoorgirlthelastdutiesofcivilization。”Geraldspokewithindignantheat，forthislookedtohimlikethecruellestdesertion。
　　“Iknowhowitmustseemtoyou，“saidVincenza，“andIhavenoexcusetoofferformyconductbutthis。Mysister”sdeathwouldhavegivenallshepossessedtopeoplewhomshedisliked。Itwouldhavethrownme，whomsheloved，pennilessontheworld。Iactedasifshewerestillliving，andasIamsureshewouldhavewishedmetoact；nodefence，Iknow，inyoureyes，butconsiderthetemptation。”
　　“Anddidyounotrealizethatallthismustcomeoutsomeday？“
　　askedFfrench。
　　“Yes，butnotforseveralyears。Indeed，Icannotimaginehowitisthatyouhavestumbledonthetruth。”
　　AndGerald，rememberingtheextraordinarychainofcircumstanceswhichhadledhimtotherootofthemystery，couldnotbutacknowledgethat，humanlyspeaking，Vincenza”sconfidencewasjustified。
　　“Andnowyouhavefoundthisout，whatusedoyouintendtomakeofit？“askedtheSpaniardafterapause。
　　“IshallpublishthewholestoryassoonasIreturntoSanFrancisco，“answeredGeraldpromptly。
　　“Soforafewhundreddollars，whichisallthatyoucanpossiblygetoutofit，youwillmakeabeggarofme。”
　　“Rightisright，“saidtheyoungIrishman。“Thispropertydoesnotbelongtoyou。”
　　“Willyouholdyourtongue——oryourpen——forfiftythousanddollars？“askedtheSpaniardeagerly。
　　“No，norforeverydollaryouhaveintheworld。Idon”tapproveyourpracticeandIwon”tshareyourplunder。Iamsorryforyoupersonally，butIcan”thelpthat。Iwon”toustyou。Iwillmakesuchuseofthestoryasanynewspapermanwouldmake，andsoI
　　giveyoufairwarning。Youmaysaveyourselfifyoucan。”
　　“Thenyoudonotintendtocommunicatewiththeheirs？“beganVincenzaeagerly。
　　“Ineitherknownorcarewhotheyare，“interruptedGerald。“Iamnotadetective，saveinthewayofmyprofession，andIshallcertainlynottellwhatIhavediscoveredtoanyindividualtillI
　　giveittothepress。”
　　“Andthatwillbe？“askedtheSpaniard。
　　“AssoonasIreturntoSanFrancisco，“answeredFfrench。“Itmayappearinaweekortendays。”
　　“Thankyou，senor；goodmorning，“saidVincenza，risingandleavingtheroom。
　　ThreedayslaterSenorMiguelVincenzasailedontheoutgoingPacificmailsteamerboundforJapanandChina。Heprobablytookaconsiderablesumofmoneywithhim，fortheheirsofCatalinaCostelloyUgartefoundtheaffairsofthedeceasedinaverytangledstate，andtheranchwasmortgagedfornearlyhalfitsvalue。
　　GeraldFfrench”sstoryoccupiedfourpagesofthenextissueoftheGoldenFleece，andwaswidelycopiedandcommentedonovertwocontinents。Larry，thegroomatBallyvire，readtheaccountinhisfavoriteWestmeathSentinel，andashelaidthepaperdownexclaimedinwonder——
　　“Begob，hefoundher！“
　　LadyBetty”sIndiscretion“Horry！Iamsicktodeathofit！“
　　Therewasaservantintheroomgatheringthetea-cups；butLadyBettyStafford，havingbeenbroughtupinthepurple，wasnottobedeterredfromspeakinghermindbyaservant。Hercousinwaseithermoreprudentorlessvivacious；hedidnotanswerontheinstant，butstoodlookingthroughoneofthewindowsattheleaflesstreesandslow-droppingrainintheMall，andonlyturnedwhenLadyBettypettishlyrepeatedherstatement。
　　“Hadabadtime？“hethenvouchsafed，droppingintoachairnearher，andlookingfirstather，inagood-naturedway，andthenathisboots，whichheseemedtoapprove。
　　“Horrid！“shereplied。
　　“Manypeoplehere？“
　　“Hordesofthem！Wholetribes！“sheexclaimed。Shewasalittlelady，plumpandpretty，withapale，clearcomplexion，andbrighteyes。“Iamboredbeyondbelief。And——andIhavenotseenStaffordsincemorning，“sheadded。
　　“Cabinetcouncil？“
　　“Yes！“sheansweredviciously。“Acabinetcouncil，andaprivycouncil，andaboardoftrade，andaboardofgreencloth，andalltheotherboards！Horry，Iamsicktodeathofit！Whatistheuseofitall？“
　　“Countrygotothedogs！“hesaidoracularly，stilladmiringhisboots。
　　“Letit！“sheretorted，notrelentingawhit。“Iwishitwould；I
　　wishthedogsjoyofit！“
　　Hemadeanextraordinaryeffortatdiffuseness。“Ithought，“hesaid，“thatyouwerebecomingpolitical，Betty。Goingtowritesomething，andallthat。”
　　“Rubbish！ButhereisMr。Atley。Mr。Atley，willyouhaveacupoftea，“shecontinued，speakingtothenewcomer。“Therewillbesomeherepresently。WhereisMr。Stafford？“
　　“Mr。Staffordwilltakeacupofteainthelibrary，LadyBetty，“
　　repliedthesecretary。“Heaskedmetobringittohim。Heiscopyinganimportantpaper。”
　　SirHoraceforsookhisboots，andinafitofmomentaryinterestasked，“Theyhavecometoterms？“
　　Thesecretarynodded。LadyBettysaid“Pshaw！“Amanbroughtinthefreshteapot。ThenextmomentMr。Staffordhimselfcamequicklyintotheroom，anopentelegraminhishand。
　　Henoddedpleasantlytohiswifeandhercousin。Buthisthin，darkfacewore——itgenerallydid——apreoccupiedlook。Countrypeopletowhomhewaspointedoutinthestreetscalledhim，accordingtotheirpoliticalleanings，eitherinsignificant，oraprig，ora“drysort；“orsometimessaid，“Howyoungheis！“ButthosewhosefateitwastofacetheMinisterintheHouseknewthattherewassomethinginhimmoretobefearedeventhanhisimperturability，hishonesty，orhisprecision——andthatwasacertainsuddenwarmth，whichwasapttocarryawaytheHouseatunexpectedtimes。Ononeoftheseoccasions，itwasrumored，LadyBettyChampionhadseenhim，andfalleninlovewithhim。Whyhehadthrownthehandkerchieftoher——wellthatwasanothermatter；
　　andwhethertheapparentlyincongruousmatchwouldanswer——that，too，remainedtobeseen。
　　“Moretelegrams？“shecriednow。“Itrainstelegrams！howIhatethem！“
　　“Why？“hesaid。“Whyshouldyou？“Hereallywondered。
　　Shemadeafaceathim。“Hereisyourtea，“shesaidabruptly。
　　“Thankyou；youareverygood，“hereplied。Hetookthecupandsetitdownabsently。“Atley，“hecontinued，speakingtothesecretary，“youhavenotcorrectedthereportofmyspeechattheClub，haveyou？No，Iknowyouhavehadnotime。Willyourunyoureyeoveritpresently，andseeifitisallright，andsendittotheTimes——IdonotthinkIneedseeit——byeleveno”clockatlatest。Theeditor，“headded，tappingthepinkpaperinhishand，“seemedtodoubtus。IhavetogotoFitzgerald”snow，soyoumustcopyLordPilgrimstone”sterms，too，please。Ihadmeanttodoitmyself，butIshallbewithyoubeforeyouhavefinished。”
　　“Whataretheterms？“LadyBettyasked。“LordPilgrimstonehasnotagreedto”
　　“Topermitmetocommunicatethem？“hereplied，withagravesmile。
　　“No。Soyoumustpardonme，mydear，Ihavepassedmywordforabsolutesecrecy。And，indeed，itisasimportanttomeastoPilgrimstonethattheyshouldnotbedivulged。”
　　“Theyaresuretoleakout，“sheretorted。“Theyalwaysdo。”
　　“Well，itwillnotbethroughme，Ihope。”
　　Shestampedherfootonthecarpet。“Ishouldliketogetthem，andsendthemtotheTimes！“sheexclaimed，hereyesflashing——hewassoprovoking！“Andletalltheworldknowthem！Ishould！“
　　Helookedhisastonishment，whiletheothertwolaughedsoftly，partlytoavoidembarrassment，perhaps。MyLadyoftensaidthesethings，andnoonetookthemseriously。
　　“Youhadbetterplaythesecretaryforonce，LadyBetty，“saidAtley，whowasrelatedtohischief。“Youwillthenbeabletosatisfyyourcuriosity。ShallIresignprotem？“
　　Shelookedeagerlyatherhusbandforthethirdpartofasecond——
　　lookedforassent，perhaps。Butshereadnoplayfulnessinhisface，andherownfell。Hewasthinkingaboutotherthings。“No，“
　　shesaid，almostsullenly，droppinghereyestothecarpet；“I
　　shouldnotspellwellenough。”
　　Soonafterthattheydispersed，thisbeingWednesday，Mr。
　　Stafford”sdayfordiningout。EveryoneknowsthatMinistersdineonlytwiceaweekinsession——onWednesdayandSunday；andSundayisoftensacredtothechildrenwherethereareany，lesttheyshouldgrowupandnotknowtheirfatherbysight。LadyBettycameintothelibraryataquartertoeight，andfoundherhusbandstillathisdesk，apileofpapersbeforehimwaitingforhissignature。
　　Asafact，hehadonlyjustsatdown，displacinghissecretary，whohadgoneupstairstodress。
　　“Stafford！“shesaid。
　　Shedidnotseemquiteatherease，buthismindwastroubled，andhefailedtonoticethis。“Yes，mydear，“heansweredpolitely，shufflingthepapersbeforehimintoaheap。Heknewhewaslate，andhecouldseethatshewasdressed。“Yes，Iamgoingupstairsthisminute。Ihavenotforgotten。”
　　“Itisnotthat，“shesaid，leaningwithonehandonthetable；“I
　　onlywanttoaskyou”
　　“Mydear，youreallymusttellittomeinthecarriage。”Hewasonhisfeetalready，makingsomehastypreparations。“Wherearewetodine？AttheDuke”s？Thenweshallhavenearlyamiletodrive。Willnotthatdoforyou？“Hewasworkinghardwhilehespoke。Therewasagreatoakpost-boxwithinreach，andanotherboxforletterswhichweretobedeliveredbyhand，andhewasthrustingahandfulofnotesintoeachofthese。Otherpacketshesweptintodifferentdrawersofthetable。Stillstanding，hestoopedandsignedhisnametohalfadozenletters，whichheleftopenontheblotting-pad。“Atleywillseetothesewhenheisdressed，“hemurmured。“Wouldyouobligemebylockingthedrawers，mydear——itwillsavemeaminute——andgivingmethekeyswhenIcomedown？“
　　Hewasoffthen，twoorthreepapersinhishand，andalmostranupstairs。LadyBettystoodamomentonthespotonwhichhehadlefther，lookinginanoddway，justasifitwerenewtoher，roundthegrave，spaciousroom，withitssomberSpanish-leather-
　　coveredfurniture，itsponderouswriting-tablesandshelvesofbooks，itsthreeloftycurtainedwindows。Whenhereyesatlastcamebacktothelamp，anddweltonit，theywereverybright，andherfacewasflushed。Herfootcouldbeheardtappingonthecarpet。Presentlysherememberedherselfandfelltowork，vehementlyslammingsuchdrawersaswereopen，andlockingthem。
　　Theprivatesecretaryfoundherdoingthiswhenhecamein。Shemutteredsomething——stillstoopingwithherfaceoverthedrawers——
　　andalmostimmediatelywentout。Helookedafterher，partlybecausetherewassomethingoddinhermanner——shekeptherfaceaverted；andpartlybecauseshewaswearinganewandstrikinggown，andheadmiredher；andhenoticed，asshepassedthroughthedoorway，thatshehadsomepapershelddownbyherside。But，ofcourse，hethoughtnothingofthis。
　　Hewashopelesslylateforhisowndinner-party，andonlystayedamomenttoslipthelettersjustsignedintoenvelopespreparedforthem。Thenhemadehastilyforthedoor，openedit，andcameintoabruptcollisionwithSirHorace，whowasstrollingin。
　　“Begpardon！“saidthatgentleman，withirritatingplacidity。
　　“Latefordinner？“
　　“Rather！“criedthesecretary，tryingtogetroundhim。
　　“Well，“drawledtheother，“whichisthehand-box，oldfellow？“
　　“Ithasjustbeencleared。Here，giveitme。Themessengersisinthehallnow。”
　　AndAtleysnatchedtheletterfromhiscompanion，thetwogoingoutintothehalltogether。Marcus，thebutler，acoupleoftallfootmen，andthemessengerweresortinglettersatthetable。
　　“Here，Marcus，“saidthesecretary，pitchinghisletterontheslab，“letthatgowiththeothers。Andismyhansomhere？“
　　Inanotherminutehewasspeedingoneway，andtheStaffordsintheirbroughamanother，whileSirHoracewalkedathisleisuredowntohisclub。TheMinisterandhiswifedrovealonginsilence，forheforgottoaskherwhatshewanted；and，strangetosay，LadyBettyforgottotellhim。Atthepartyshemadequiteasensation；
　　neverhadsheseemedmorerecklesslygay，morepiquant，moreaudaciouslywitty，thansheshowedherselfthisevening。Therewereillustriouspersonagespresent，buttheypaledbesideher。
　　TheDuke，withwhomshewasagreatfavorite，laughedathersalliesuntilhecouldlaughnomore；andevenherhusband，herveryhusband，forgotforatimethecountryandthecrisis，andlistened，half-proudandhalf-afraid。Butshewasnotawareofthis；shecouldnotseehisfacewhereshewassitting。Toallseeming，sheneverlookedthatway。Shewasquiteamodelsocietywife。
　　Mr。Staffordhimselfwasanearlyriser。Itwashishabittobeupbysix；tomakehisowncoffeeoveraspiritlamp，andthennotonlytogetthroughmuchworkinhisdressing-room，buttotakehisdailyridealsobeforebreakfast。OnthemorningaftertheDuke”sparty，however，helaylaterthanusual；andastherewasmorebusinesstobedone——owingtothecrisis——thecanterintheParkhadtobeomitted。Hewasstillamonghispapers——thoughmomentarilyawaitingthebreakfast-gong，whenahansomcabdrivenatfullspeedstoppedatthedoor。Heglancedupwearilyasheheardthedoorsofthecabflungopenwithacrash。Therehadbeenatimewhenthestirandbustleofsucharrivalshadbeensweettohim——notsosweetastosome，forhehadneverbeendeeplyinlovewiththeparadeofoffice——butsweeterthanto-day，whentheywerenomoretohimthanthecreakingofthemilltothecamelthatturnsitblindfoldandindarkness。
　　NaturallyhewasthinkingofLordPilgrimstonethismorning，andguessed，beforeheopenedthenotewhichtheservantbroughtintohim，whowasitswriter。Butitscontentshad，nevertheless，anelectricaleffectuponhim。Hisbrowreddened。Withaquiteunusualdisplayofemotionhesprangtohisfeet，crushingthefragmentofpaperinhisfingers。“Whobroughtthis？“heaskedsharply。“Whobroughtit？“herepeated，beforetheservantcouldexplain。
　　Themanhadneverseenhimsomoved。“Mr。Scratchley，sir，“heanswered。
　　“Ha！Then，showhimintothelibrary，“wasthequickreply。Andwhiletheservantwenttodohisbidding，theMinisterhastilychangedhisdressing-gownforacoat，andrandownaprivatestaircase，reachingtheroomhehadmentionedbyonedoorasMr。
　　Scratchley，LordPilgrim-stone”ssecretary，enteredinthroughanother。
　　Bythattimehehadregainedhiscomposure，andlookedmuchasusual。Still，whenheheldupthecrumplednote，therewasabrusquenessinthegesturewhichwouldhavesurprisedhisordinaryacquaintances，anddidremindMr。Scratchleyofcertain“warmnights“intheHouse。“Youknowthecontentsofthis，Mr。
　　Scratchley？“hesaidwithoutprelude，andinatonewhichmatchedhisgesture。
　　Thevisitorbowed。Hewasagravemiddle-agedman，whoseemedoppressedandburdenedbytheloadofcaresandresponsibilitieswhichhissmilingchiefcarriedsojauntily。PeoplesaidthathewasthepropercomplementofLordPilgrimstone，asthemorevolatileAtleywasofhisleader。
　　“Andyouareaware，“continuedMr。Stafford，stillmoreharshly，“thatLordPilgrimstonegivesyesterday”sagreementtothewinds？“
　　“Ihaveneverseenhislordshipsodeeplymoved，“repliedthediscreetone。
　　“Hesays：”Ourformernegotiationwasruinedbyprematuretalk，butthislastdisclosurecanonlybereferredtotreacheryorgrosscarelessness。”Whatdoesthismean？Iknowofnodisclosure，Mr。
　　Scratchley。Imusthaveanexplanation，andyou，Ipresume，areheretogivemeone。”
　　Foramomenttheotherseemedtakenaback。“YouhavenotseentheTimes？“hemurmured。
　　“Thismorning”s？No。Butitishere。”
　　Hesnatchedit，ashespoke，fromatableathiselbow，andunfoldedit。Thesecretaryapproachedandpointedtotheheadofacolumn——themostconspicuous，thecolumnmostreadilytobefoundinthepaper。“TheyarecryingitateverystreetcornerI
　　passed，“headdedapologetically。“ThereisnothingtobeheardinSt。James”sStreetandPallMallbut”DetailedProgrammeoftheCoalition。”Theotherdailiesarestrikingoffsecondeditionstocontainit！“
　　Mr。Stafford”seyeswererivetedtothepaper，andtherewasalongpause，apauseonhispartofdismayandconsternation。Hecouldscarcely——torepeatacommonphrase——believehiseyes。“Itseems，“
　　hemutteredatlength，“itseemsfairlyaccurate——atolerablypreciseaccount，indeed。”
　　“Itisaverbatimcopy，“saidthesecretarydrily。“Thequestionis，whofurnishedit。LordPilgrimstone，Iamauthorizedtosay，hasnotpermittedhisnoteoftheagreementtopassoutofhispossession——evenuptothepresentmoment。”
　　“Andsoheconcludes，“theMinistersaidthoughtfully”itisafairinferenceenough，perhaps——thattheTimesmusthaveprocureditsinformationfrommynote？“
　　“No！“thesecretaryobjectedsharplyandforcibly。“Itisnotamatterofinference，Mr。Stafford。Iamdirectedtosaythat。I
　　haveinquired，earlyasitis，attheTimesoffice，andlearnedthatthecopyprintedcamedirectlyfromthehandsofyourmessenger。”
　　“Ofmymessenger！“Mr。Staffordcried，thunderstruck。“Youaresureofthat？“
　　“Iamsurethatthesub-editorsaysso。”
　　Andagaintherewassilence。“Thismustbelookedinto，“saidMr。
　　Staffordatlength，controllinghimselfbyaneffort。“Forthepresent，IagreewithLordPilgrimstone，thatitalterstheposition——andperhapsfinally。”
　　“LordPilgrimstonewillbedamagedintheeyesofalargesectionofhissupporters——seriouslydamaged，“saidMr。Scratchley，shakinghishead，andfrowning。
　　“Possibly。Fromeverypointofviewthethingistobedeplored。
　　ButIwillcallonLordPilgrimstone，“continuedtheMinister，“afterlunch。Willyoutellhimso？“
　　Acuriousembarrassmentshoweditselfinthesecretary”smanner。
　　Hetwistedhishatinhishands，andlookedsuddenlysickandsad——
　　asifhewereabouttojoininthegroanataprayer-meeting。
　　“LordPilgrimstone，“hesaid，inavoicehevainlystrovetorendercommonplace，“isgoingtoSandownSpringMeetingto-day。”
　　Thetonewasreallysolugubrious——tosaynothingofashakeoftheheadwithwhichhecouldnothelpaccompanyingthestatement——thatafaintsmileplayedonMr。Stafford”slip。“ThenImusttakethenextpossibleopportunity。Iwillseehimto-morrow。”
　　Mr。Scratchleyassentedtothat，andbowedhimselfout，afteranotherwordortwo，lookingmoregloomyandcarewornthanusual。
　　Theinterviewhadnotbeenaltogethertohismind。HewishednowthathehadspokenmoreroundlytoMr。Stafford；perhapsevenaskedforacategoricaldenialofthecharge。ButtheMinister”smannerhadoverawedhim。Hehadfounditimpossibletoputthequestion。
　　AndthenthepitifuldegradingconfessionhehadhadtomakeforLordPilgrimstone！Thathadputthecoping-stonetohisdissatisfaction。
　　“Oh！“sighedMr。Scratchley，ashesteppedintohiscab。“Oh，thatmensogreatshouldstooptothingssolittle！“
　　Itdidnotoccurtohimthatthereisaconditionofthingsevenmoresad：whenlittlemenmeddlewithgreatthings。
　　MeanwhileMr。Stafford，leftalone，stoodatthewindowdeepinunpleasantthoughts，fromwhichtheentranceofthebutlersenttosummonhimtobreakfastfirstarousedhim。“Stayamoment，Marcus！“hesaid，turningwithasigh，asthemanwasleavingtheroomafterdoinghiserrand。“Iwanttoaskyouaquestion。Didyoumakeupthemessenger”sbaglastevening？“
　　“Yes，sir。”
　　“DidyounoticealetteraddressedtotheTimesoffice？“
　　Theservanthadpreparedhimselftocogitate。Buthefounditunnecessary。“Yes，sir，“herepliedsmartly，“Two。”
　　“Two？“repeatedMr。Stafford，dismayinhistone，thoughthiswasjustwhathehadreasontoexpect。
　　“Yes，sir。TherewasoneItookfromtheband-box，andoneMr。
　　Atleygavemeinthehallatthelastmoment，“explainedthebutler。
　　“Ha！Thankyou，Marcus。ThenaskMr。Atleyifhewillkindlycometome。NodoubthewillbeabletotellmewhatIwanttoknow。”
　　Thewordswerecommonplace，butthespeaker”sanxietywassoevidentthatMarcuswhenhedeliveredthemessage——whichhedidwithallhaste——addedawordortwoofwarning。“ItisaboutalettertotheTimes，sir，Ithink。Mr。Staffordseemedagooddealputout，“hesaid，confidentially。
　　“Indeed？“Atleyreplied。“Iwillgodown。”Andhestartedatonce。Butbeforehereachedthelibraryhemetsomeone。LadyBettylookedoutofthebreakfast-room，andsawhimdescendingthestairswiththebutlerbehindhim。
　　“WhereisMr。Stafford，Marcus？“sheaskedimpatiently，asshestoodwithherhandonthedoor。“Goodmorning，Mr。Atley，“sheadded，hereyesdescendingtohim。“Whereismyhusband？Thecoffeeisgettingquitecold。”
　　“Hehasjustsenttoaskmetocometohim，“Atleyanswered。
　　“MarcustellsmethereissomethingintheTimeswhichhasannoyedhim，LadyBetty；IwillsendhimupasquicklyasIcan。”
　　ButLadyBettyhadnotstayedtoreceivethislastassurance。Shehaddrawnbackandshutthedoorsmartly；yetnotsoquicklybutthattheprivatesecretaryhadseenherchangecolor。“Umph！“heejaculatedtohimself——theladywasnotmuchgiventoblushingasarule”IwonderwhatiswrongwithHERthismorning。Sheisnotgenerallyrudetome。”
　　Itwasnotlongbeforehegotsomelightonthematter。“Comehere，Atley，“saidhisemployer，themomentheenteredthelibrary。
　　“Lookatthis！“
　　ThesecretarytooktheTimes，foldedbackattheimportantcolumn，andreadtheletter。MeanwhiletheMinisterreadthesecretary。
　　Hesawsurpriseandconsternationonhisface，butnotraceofguilt。ThenhetoldhimwhatMarcussaidaboutthetwoletterswhichhadgonethepreviouseveningfromthehouseaddressedtotheTimesoffice。“One，“hesaid，“containedthenotesofmyspeech。
　　Theother”
　　“Theother”repliedthesecretary，thinkingwhilehespoke，“wasgiventomeatthelastmomentbySirHorace。IthrewittoMarcusinthehall。”
　　“Ah！“saidhischief，tryingveryhardtoexpressnothingbytheexclamation，butnotquitesucceeding。“DidyouseethatthatletterwasaddressedtotheeditoroftheTimes？“
　　Thesecretaryreddened，andbetrayedsuddenconfusion。“Idid，“hesaidhurriedly。“IsawsomuchoftheaddressasIthrewtheletterontheslab——thoughIthoughtnothingofitatthetime。”
　　Mr。Staffordlookedathimfixedly。“Come，“hesaid，“thisisagravematter，Atley。Younoticed，Icansee，thehandwriting。WasitSirHorace”s？“
　　“No，“repliedthesecretary。
　　“Whosewasit？“
　　“Ithink——Ithink，Mr。Stafford——thatitwasLadyBetty”s。ButI
　　shouldbesorry，havingseenitonlyforamoment——sosayforcertain。”
　　“LadyBetty”s？“
　　Mr。Staffordrepeatedtheexclamationthreetimes，inpuresurprise，inanger，athirdtimeintrembling。Inthislaststagehewalkedawaytothewindow，andturninghisbackonhiscompanionlookedout。Herecalledatoncehiswife”spetulantexclamationofyesterday，thefoolishdesireexpressed，ashehadsupposedinjest。Hadshereallybeeninearnest？Andhadshecarriedoutherthreat？Hadshe——hiswife——donethisthingsocompromisingtohishonor，somischievoustothecountry，somad，reckless，wicked？
　　Impossible。Itwasimpossible。Andyet——andyetAtleywasamantobetrusted，agentleman，hisownrelation！AndAtley”seyewasnotlikelytobedeceivedinamatterofhandwriting。ThatAtleyhadmadeuphismindhecouldsee。
　　Thestatesmanturnedfromthewindow，andwalkedtoandfro，hisagitationbetrayedbyhisstep。Thethirdtimehepassedinfrontofhissecretary——whohadrivetedhiseyestotheTimesandappearedtobereadingthemoneyarticle——hestopped。“Ifthisbetrue——mindIsayif，Atley”hecried，jerkily，“whatwasmywife”smotive？Iaminthedark，blindfolded！Helpme！TellmewhathasbeenpassingroundmethatIhavenotseen。Youwouldnothavemywife——aspy？“
　　“No！no！no！“criedtheother，ashedroppedthepaper，hisvehemenceandhisworkingfeaturesshowingthathefeltthepathosoftheappeal。“Itisnotthat。LadyBettyisjealous，ifImayventuretojudge，ofyourdevotiontopolitics。Sheseeslittleofyou。Youarewrappedupinpublicaffairsandmattersofstate。
　　Shefeelsherselfneglectedandsetaside。Andshehasbeenmarriednomorethanayear。”
　　“Butshehashersociety，“objectedtheMinister，compellinghimselftospeakcalmly，“andhercousin，and——andmanyotherthings。”
　　“Forwhichshedoesnotcare，“returnedthesecretary。
　　Itwasasimpleanswer，butsomethinginittouchedatenderplace。
　　Mr。Staffordwincedandcastaqueerstartledlookatthespeaker。
　　Beforehecouldreply，however——ifheintendedtoreply——aknockcameatthedoorandMarcusputinhishead。“Myladyiswaitingbreakfast，sir，“hesuggestedtimidly。Whatcouldapoorbutlerdobetweenanimpatientmistressandanobduratemaster？
　　“Iwillcome，“saidMr。Staffordhastily。“Iwillcomeatonce。
　　Forthismatter，Atley，“hecontinuedwhenthedoorwasclosedagain，“letitrestforthepresentwhereitis。IamawareIcandependuponyour”hepaused，seekingaword”yourdiscretion。
　　Onethingiscertain，however。Thereisanendofthearrangementmadeyesterday。ProbablytheQueenwillsendforTempleton。I
　　shallseeLordPilgrimstonetomorrow，butprobablythatwillbetheendofit。”
　　Atleywentawaymarvelingathiscoolness，tryingtoretracetheshortstepsoftheirconversation，andsotodiscernhowfartheMinisterhadgonewithhim，andwherehehadturnedoffuponaresolutionofhisown。Hefailedtoseetheclue，however，andmarveledstillmoreasthedaywentonandotherssucceededit，daysofpoliticalcrisis。Outofdoorstheworld，orthatlittlejotofitwhichhasitscenteratWestminster，wasinconfusion。
　　Thenewspapers，morningorevening，foundreadysale，andhadnoneedofrecoursetomurder-panics，orprurientdiscussions。TheCoalitionscandal，theresignationofMinisters，thesendingforLordThisandMr。That，thecertaintyofadissolution，providedmatterenough。InallthisAtleyfoundnothingtowonderat。Hehadseenitallbefore。Thatwhichdidcausehimsurprisewasthecalm——theunnaturalcalmasitseemedtohim——whichprevailedinthehouseinCarltonTerrace。Foradayortwo，indeed，therewasmuchgoingtoandfro，muchclosetingandbutton-holing；forratherlongerthesecretaryreadanxietyandapprehensioninonecountenance——LadyBetty”s。Butthingssettleddown。Theknockerpresentlyfoundpeace，suchcomparativepeaceasfallstoknockersinCarltonTerrace。LadyBetty”sbrowgrewclearashereyefoundnoreflectionofitsanxietyinMr。Stafford”sface。Inawordthesecretaryfailedtodiscernthefaintestsignofdomestictrouble。
　　ThelateMinister，indeed，wastakingthingswithwonderfulcoolness。LordPilgrimstonehadfailedtotaunthim，andthetriumphofoldfoeshadfailedtogoadhimintoalasteffort。
　　Apparentlyithadoccurredtohimthatthecountrymightforatimeexistwithouthim。Hewasstandingasidewithashadeonhisface，andtherewererumorsthathewouldtakealongholiday。
　　Aweeksawallthesethingshappen。Andthen，onedayasAtleysatwritinginthelibrary——Mr。Staffordbeingout——LadyBettycameintotheroomforsomething。Risingtofindherwhatshewanted，hewasholdingthedooropenforhertopassout，whenshepaused。
　　“Shutthedoor，Mr。Atley，“shesaid，pointingtoit。“Iwanttoaskyouaquestion。”
　　“Praydo，LadyBetty，“heanswered。
　　“Itisthis，“shesaid，meetinghiseyesboldly——andabrighter，amoredaintylittlecreaturethanshelookedthenhadseldomtemptedman。“Mr。Stafford”sresignation——haditanything，Mr。Atley，todowith”herfacecoloredaverylittle”somethingthatwasintheTimesthisdayweek？“
　　Hisowncheekcoloredviolentlyenough。“Ifever，“hewassayingtohimself，“Imeddleormarbetweenhusbandandwifeagain，mayI”Butaloudheansweredquietly，“Somethingperhaps。”Thequestionwassudden。Hereyeswereonhisface。Hefounditimpossibletoprevaricate。
　　“Myhusbandhasneverspokentomeaboutit，“shereplied，breathingquickly。
　　Hebowed，havingnowordsadaptedtothesituation。Butherepeatedhisresolutionasabovemorefuriously。
　　“Hehasneverappearedevenawareofit，“shepersisted。“Areyousurethathesawit？“
　　Hewonderedatherinnocenceorheraudacity。Thatsuchababyshoulddosomuchmischief。Thethoughtirritatedhim。“Itwasimpossiblethatheshouldnotseeit，LadyBetty，“hesaid，withatouchofasperity。“Quiteimpossible！“
　　“Ah，“sherepliedwithafaintsigh。“Well，hehasneverspokentomeaboutit。Andyouthinkithadreallysomethingtodowithhisresignation，Mr。Atley？“
　　“Mostcertainly，“hesaid。Hewasnotinclinedtospareherthistime。
　　Shenoddedthoughtfully，andthenwithaquiet“Thankyou，“wentout。
　　“Well，“mutteredthesecretarytohimselfwhenthedoorwasfairlyshutbehindher，“sheis——uponmywordsheisafool！Andhe“——
　　appealingtotheinkstand”hehasneversaidawordtoheraboutit。HeisanewDonQuixote！asecondJob，newSirIsaacNewton！
　　Idonotknowwhattocallhim。”
　　ItwasSirHorace，however，whoprecipitatedthecatastrophe。Hehappenedtocomeinabouttea-timethatafternoon，before，infact，myladyhadhadanopportunityofseeingherhusband。Hefoundheraloneandinabrownstudy，athingmostunusualwithherandportendingsomething。Hewatchedherforatimeinsilence，seemedtodrawcouragefromastilllongerinspectionofhisboots，andthensaid，“Sothecartiscleanover，Betty？“
　　Shenodded。
　　“Drivermuchhurt？“
　　“Doyoumean，doesStaffordmindit？“sherepliedimpatiently。
　　Henodded。
　　“Well，Idonotknow。Itishardtosay。”
　　“Thinkso？“hepersisted。
　　“Goodgracious，Horry！“myladyretorted，losingpatience。“IsayIdonotknow，andyousay”Thinkso！”Ifyouwanttolearnsoparticularly，askhimyourself。Hereheis！“
　　Mr。Staffordhadjustenteredtheroom。Perhapsshereallywishedtosatisfyherselfastothestateofhisfeelings。Perhapssheonlydesiredinherirritationtoputhercousininacorner。Atanyrateshecoollyturnedtoherhusbandandsaid，“HereisHoracewishingtoknowifyoumindbeingturnedoutmuch？“
　　Mr。Stafford”sfaceflushedalittleatthehome-thrustwhichnooneelsewouldhavedaredtodealhim。Butheshowednodispleasure。“Well，notsomuchasIshouldhavethought，“heansweredfrankly，pausingtoweighalumpofsugar，and，asitseemed，hisfeelings。“Therearecompensations，youknow。”
　　“Pityallthesamethosetermscameout，“gruntedSirHorace。
　　“Itwas。”
　　“Stafford！“LadyBettystruckinonasudden，speakingfastandeagerly，“isittrue，Iwanttoaskyou，itistruethatthatledyoutoresign？“
　　End