"No--the money has been returned, it may not have been taken feloniously. I shall prefer to believe that it was borrowed, in view of the prompt restoration. Moreover, I am leaving for the Hall on the morrow; I will not bother. Let it rest, Maynadier! let it rest! You have some idea of morals, or society, on your mind; I have not. That it was some of the guests, there can be no dispute--but, which one, I care not to find out. Parkington, you think?--but there was much money changed hands around the card table, and he, I believe, was largely winner. So, possession of the doubloon is not conclusive. At the worst, it calls, only, for an explanation--and I see no profit even in an explanation; he will be leaving us, presently, for England, never to return. Oh! let it rest, Maynadier! let it rest!" "My dear Marbury," said Maynadier, "I am here for two reasons:--first, because you asked me to inform you if I found any clue----" "I know, sir--I apologize for my neglect to tell you of the restitution." "And, second, because there has arisen another question--a serious question--with respect to Sir Edward Parkington. It will be handled by the Governor, himself, if handled at all; and I wanted to know, whether he may use your identification of this stolen coin, if it be deemed essential?" "_If it be deemed essential_, I have no objection," said Marbury, after a little consideration--"but do not use it unless it is," he added. "I would not risk doing Parkington an injustice, he was unusually courteous to me, and considerate, also." "And you appreciate courtesy and consideration," thought Maynadier, "because you have had so little shown you in life. The public would never believe it!" What he said, was: "I understand. It will be used only as a last resort. Indeed, Colonel Sharpe may deem it inexpedient to meddle with the matter, at all." He arose to go. "Why not remain for supper," asked Marbury. "Not to-night," said Maynadier. "I must back to Whitehall." They went down the stairs together; at the foot, Maynadier suddenly halted. "Marbury," he said, "have I your permission to marry Judith, if she be willing?" "You have," Marbury answered, a gratified smile flashing, for an instant, across his impassive face--"and she is a queer girl, if she does not take you." Then he laughed. "But, for the Lord's sake! man, be a little less sudden when you ask _her_. You well nigh took _my_ breath." XVII A LETTER AND A CONFESSION Sir Edward Parkington and Sir Charles Brandon arrived at Whitehall just before supper, and were greeted by the Governor and his guests on the esplanade. Brandon was dignified yet affable, he was properly appreciative of his Excellency's courtesy, a bit diffident about imposing upon his hospitality, and thoroughly considerate in everything; in short, the well-bred gentleman--natural, free from affectations, and, apparently, sincere.