from him to-morrow."

"I shall not accept," said Rene.

"Yes, you must. It is a full answer to all criticism, and after what the
President has said, you cannot refuse."

"Mr. Schmidt is right, Rene," said Margaret. "Thou must take the place."

"Good, wise little counselor!" said the German. "He will write you a
courteous note, Rene. He has had, as Hamilton says, enough differences
with the chief to make him willing to oblige him in a minor matter. You
must take it."

At last, it being so agreed, Schmidt went in to see Mrs. Swanwick and to
relieve her as concerned a part, at least, of her troubles. The rest he
would talk about later.

Even the vicomtesse was so good as to be pleased, and the evening meal
was more gay than usual.

The next morning Rene received the following note:

DEAR SIR: My opinion in regard to the matter under discussion of
late having been modified somewhat, and the President favoring my
action, it gives me pleasure to offer you the chance to return to
the office.

I have the honor to be,

Your obedient friend and servant,

EDMUND RANDOLPH.

Schmidt laughed as he read it. "He does not like it. The dose is bitter.
He thinks you will say no. But you will write simply, and accept with
pleasure."

"Yes, I see. I shall do as you say." He sent a simple note of
acceptance. A visit to the office of state settled the matter, and on
the day but one after receipt of the letter, Rene was well pleased to be
once more at his desk and busy.

Meanwhile Schmidt had been occupied with long letters to Germany and his
affairs in the city, but in the evening of the 12th of August, they
found time for one of their old talks.

"This matter of yours, and in fact of mine, Rene, does not fully satisfy
me. I still hear much about it, and always of that infernal despatch."

"It does not satisfy me, sir."

"Well, it seems to me that it will have to. Long ago that despatch must
be in Paris; but Mr. Monroe, our minister, could learn nothing about it.
And so you two young folks have arranged your affairs. I can tell you
that Miss Gainor will be sorry to have had no hand in this business, and
Uncle Josiah, too."

"That is droll enough. I am glad to have pleased somebody. We have
thought it better not as yet to speak of it."

"Have you told your mother, Rene? You may be sure that she will know, or
guess at the truth, and resent being left in the dark."

"Th