nour was threatened and a scapegoat
needed. A mistake may have been made by somebody of greater
importance. One hears of some curious things."

"That's true," Mrs. Keith drily agreed. "I believe in Dick Blake, but
it must be admitted that he made no defence."

Mrs. Chudleigh pondered this. "One meets men capable of making a great
sacrifice, though they're by no means numerous. I suppose Colonel
Challoner really felt it a heavy blow?"

"Those who know him can't doubt it, though he never speaks of the
matter."

"It must have been a shock. Apart from whatever affection he had for
his nephew, there was, in a sense, the stigma reflected upon
himself--an old man who has bravely won distinction and retains some
influence! I'm told he has friends in administrative circles and that
his opinion on Indian subjects still carries weight."

"I believe so," said Mrs. Keith. "He certainly holds his opinions
firmly, and was once looked upon as an authority on frontier defence.
Indeed, he gave up his command because he could not get some drastic
change which events subsequently proved needful adopted. His honesty
is remembered by men who hold him in esteem."

"All you have said bears out my impression of him. I must renew our
acquaintance when I am in Shropshire. Are you staying here long?"

Mrs. Keith was glad to change the subject, but while they talked a
steward appeared with a letter for Millicent, which he explained had
been sent on board the steamer at Quebec. As the girl laid down the
opened envelope Mrs. Chudleigh recognized Sedgwick's writing and her
face grew contemptuously hard. Then she laughed and started a
different topic, which she continued for a time. When she went away,
Mrs. Keith turned to Millicent.

"I wonder whether I have told her too much, though it's hard to see
what use she can make of it. Innocent or not, Dick Blake is a
favourite of mine and when I speak of him I'm apt to be unguarded. Of
course, it's obvious that she joined us on purpose to talk about him."

"One would have imagined it was Captain Sedgwick. She dragged him in
rather pointedly."

"Oh! no. That was by the way, and perhaps intended to put me off the
scent. She's a scheming woman."

"But she has not learned much from you."

"She has learned two things," Mrs. Keith answered thoughtfully.
"First, that I don't believe Dick Blake failed in his duty; and,
secondly, that Colonel Challoner has some influence. I think s