o you know any such people here?"

"Such people can be found. Why, in my professional career, I have so
often seen the most wicked accusations burst like a soap-bubble when
submitted to the touchstone of cross-examination, that now I believe
nothing which I have not seen with my own eyes, or for which I have
not proofs equal to the same."

"Then with regard to the diamonds, you have some certain proofs?" I
asked.

"You are right; I was engaged in that business. The young lady required
more money than the goldsmith was willing to advance on them; and they
were never offered for sale unless he took such a liberty during the
hour he had them in his possession. In her difficulties she came to me,
her grandfather's lawyer. I obtained the money from Miss Roselaer,
as I always did for the General, and she refused either to take the
diamonds or accept the interest on the money she lent; consequently
the diamonds are still in my possession."

"And do you know for what purpose this money was required?"

"It was to assist a person who dared not apply to the General (and,
between you and me, the General had not a penny to assist any one
with). What the relationship between them was I am unable to say. The
stranger only stayed four days in the village, and I did not see
him myself. Of course I have heard the flying reports. Some people
say he was dressed like a gentleman, and had a gentleman's manners;
others, on the contrary, describe him as a rogue and a vagabond,
who got drunk in the lowest public-houses in the place. This latter
account may also be true, for, as you know, a woman's sympathy is
often bestowed on the most undeserving creatures."

"With regard to the coachman, you must allow her womanly sympathy
does not show itself in a favourable light," I interposed, with a
certain bitterness in my tone.

"I am unacquainted with the facts of that case. Still, I fancy it is
far from such a bad case as the amiable ladies made it out to be; and
in your place I should not suffer it to interfere with my projected
visit to the Werve. Miss Mordaunt has been accused, in my presence,
of brusque manners, imprudent behaviour, and so forth; but she is
renowned for her plain and straightforward dealing, which has brought
her into disrepute with her female friends, they preferring to say
the most impertinent things in the blandest tone possible. I am sure
you will find out the truth if you ask her a plain question. Besides,
a single