Scarcely was she gone, when he saw her returning. "I cannot see him, to-night," she said--"he has retired, it would only harm our chances. In the morning, I shall try again." He took her hand, and kissed it--with wise forbearance, he did not try for her lips. "Go!--we will hope for the best," he said. "And you may pray, as well, dear. The prayers of one's beloved are not without avail." XIX ARRAIGNED Before breakfast, the following morning, Colonel Sharpe sent for Maynadier. "Sleep did it!" said the Governor. "I have made up my mind. I shall give him a chance to explain, and upon his explanation will depend my future course. Whether or not I shall take up the matter of the Marbury money, we will determine later." "It is a wise decision," Maynadier agreed. "I dare not do less out of consideration for my position. He has presented another man's letters, has taken that other man's name, has entered this house, and the houses of our friends under false pretenses. In short, he has acted the rogue, and he must bear the consequences." "How can he possibly explain?" asked Maynadier. "What justification can there be for his conduct?" "None that I can apprehend--but we must not prejudge him; we must give him a chance. I believe the law has a maxim, that every one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. You said, I think, that Marbury was not leaving Annapolis until to-night?" "So he told me," said Maynadier. The Governor nodded. "I have sent for him. When he arrives, we will proceed with the matter--the quicker it is settled the better. It is a nasty business, Maynadier. I like the fellow, too, damn well!--Come in!" he called, as a knock sounded on the door.--"Ah, my dear!" as Miss Stirling's face appeared, "what got you up so early?" "I am up so early because--Oh! I beg your pardon, Mr. Maynadier. I thought the Governor was alone. I will withdraw----" "By no means!" said Maynadier; "our business is over, for the time.--Permit me!" and he stepped to the door. "Nonsense!" exclaimed the Colonel. "She is not going to talk secrets--what is it, Martha--permission to take some of the horses?" "No," she replied, and glanced, meaningly, at Maynadier--who at once retired. She waited until the door was shut. "It is this," she said. "That letter, which I gave you last evening--I want it back again." The Governor looked his surprise. "You want it back again?" he asked. "Yes--and your promise not to use it. There is nothing to be gained by exposing him, except a scandal, which must, necessarily, drag me in." "You have changed your mind since last night," he commented. "I have," she answered. "In less than two weeks he will have sailed.--So, let it rest--it will profit nothing." He unlocked a drawer, took out Lady Catherwood's letter, and handed it to her. A glad smile came to her face. "Thank you, sir! oh, thank you!" and she bent, and brushed his cheek, lightly, with her lips.