t happened, the truth will never be known, for he now lies
in the churchyard."

"Yes, now you've got the truth without any figures of speech," jested
the widow; "and with him the crime is buried, and hushed up for ever."

"With your permission, ladies, had there been a question of anything
of that sort, the law would have taken its course," observed Overberg;
"and I know for certain it was never brought before a court."

"That I can believe," answered the widow. "The magistrate is a
great friend of the Colonel's, plays cards with him every evening,
and to palliate the affair, and silence public indignation, he made
an official visit to the commandant's house. Francis Mordaunt was
examined, and, as might be expected beforehand, came out of the
affair snow-white--at least, according to the magistrate's report,"
added the widow, with a satirical shrug of the shoulders.

"But, madame," interposed Overberg, evidently growing angry, "do you
mean to say you suspect the impartiality of the magistrate?"

"I suspect no one; I only tell you how the affair ended--namely,
that it was hushed up, and the relations of the coachman bribed to
keep quiet. Such people are easily frightened. One thing, however,
is certain, and that is, Major Frank has not dared to show her face
in our circle since; and besides this, it seems to have been the
cause of her grandfather retiring from the service."

"He had attained the age to be put on the retired list," said the
Captain; "and with his pension he obtained the honorary rank of
General."

"Be that as it may, the General retired from the world to Castle de
Werve," observed the old lady.

"Where, now, Major Frank has the command," put in the spinster.

"And spends her time in riding and shooting," added the little widow,
turning up her nose superciliously.

"I venture to contradict the latter part of the assertion with regard
to the shooting," said Overberg; "for the General has not renewed his
shooting license and has leased the shooting over his own estates to
a client of mine, who, however, leaves the hares and partridges in
perfect peace."

This latter remark led to a long conversation amongst the gentlemen
about the shooting and fishing in the neighbourhood, whilst the ladies
set to work to sharpen their tongues on other absent victims.

CHAPTER IX.

Notwithstanding all my efforts to appear calm and unconcerned,
Overberg observed that the hard judgment passed on F