ackage
of papers."

"The minister was insolent enough to hint that this was a robbery in the
interest of my service and a plot of the Federalist English
sympathizers. In fact, he implied even more. I am asked to dismiss you
as proof that we at least are in no way a party to the matter."

"One moment, Mr. Secretary--would that be proof?"

"No, sir. Pardon me. This affair has been twice before the cabinet,
where, to be frank, some difference of opinion existed. The
President--but no matter. You admit the fact of the assault and, well,
the taking of the paper. You do not deny either. You have no evidence in
favor of your explanation,--none."

"Pardon me; I have said De Noailles could assure you that I had cause
for a personal quarrel."

"Admit the personal motive, it does not help you. The Republicans are
using this scandal freely, and we have quite enough complications, as
you know. If these people urge it, the law may be appealed to. To
conclude, this is not a cabinet matter, and it was so decided. It
affects the honor of my own department."

"Sir, the honor!" De Courval rose as he spoke. "You have said what I
could permit no one but my official superior to say."

"I regret to have been so unpleasant, but having duly considered the
matter, I must reluctantly ask you not to return to the office until you
can clear yourself by other evidence than your own. I deeply regret it."

"You are plain enough, sir, and I most unfortunate. It does seem to me
that my life here might at least give my word value as against that of
this lying Jacobin."

The Secretary made no reply. Randolph, although a kindly man and
courteous, had nothing more to say to the young clerk. He was but one of
many _emigre_ nobles cast on our shores, and his relations with the
Secretary had been simply official, although, as the latter would have
admitted, the service rendered had been of the best.

Still standing, Rene waited a moment after his personal appeal for
justice, but, as I have said, the Secretary did not see fit to answer.
To have bluntly refused Fauchet's demand would have been his desire and
decision; but as a matter of policy he must do something to disarm party
criticism. With this in mind he had offered the young man a compromise;
and not quite sure that he should not have dismissed him, he seemed to
himself, considering all things, to have acted with moderation.

[Illustration: "'Then I beg to resign my position'"]

De Courval