The colonel, carrying his wide hat in his hand, came in. He looked very tall, very thin, and very grave. “Oh, colonel, is there anything the matter?” Mrs. Carter cried impulsively, seeing his face. The colonel stood still, his white head erect and his fine old face flushing a little. “I came to see William,” he said. “Is he here?” Mrs. Carter ran to the door. “Miranda,” she called after the girl, “go up and tell Mr. William to come down.” Meanwhile, Mr. Carter had offered a chair. He was a little startled and perplexed, but he looked keenly at the colonel. “Do you want us to go, colonel?” he asked bluntly. Colonel Denbigh lifted a protesting hand. “No! I want you all to hear what I have to say, especially William. It concerns William.” Mrs. Carter, who had returned to her seat, looked frightened. There was an awkward pause, the colonel sitting quietly in the high-backed chair, looking into the crown of his hat. “It’s--it’s very hot,” ventured Mrs. Carter faintly. The colonel glanced kindly from one to the other. “It’s the heat that has made it so bad for--her,” he observed enigmatically. Mr. Carter’s mouth tightened and he glanced angrily toward the door. He heard his son coming down-stairs. William entered, looking pale and haggard, and Colonel Denbigh rose. The old man was so tall that he seemed to tower. “William,” he said grimly, “I came to see you. Virginia sent me. We wanted Dan to tell you, but Dan doesn’t wish to interfere. Your wife is at my house--very ill.” William turned from white to red. For a moment he seemed nonplused, then he rallied. “I have no wife, Colonel Denbigh,” he said slowly. “Fanchon left me weeks ago. I expect to sue her for divorce.” Colonel Denbigh held up his hand. “Sit down, please,” he said, “and listen.” He sat down himself, glancing from one to the other, and finally fixing his eyes on William’s downcast face. “I hate to butt into other people’s affairs,” he said simply. “Mr. Carter, I think you know I’m not a meddler?” Mr. Carter nodded grimly. He, too, was looking at William. “We all respect and love you, colonel,” cried Mrs. Carter tremulously; “but--you know William’s had a terrible time.” “I know it, madam. Far be it from me to belittle it. But the other day Virginia found Fanchon out at Quantah’s. Do you know the place?” He glanced again at Mr. Carter. “It’s wretched. William’s wife was there, ill and penniless. My granddaughter went in to see her, and while she was there Fanchon went out of her head and fainted in Jinny’s arms. I think you all know Jinny. She paid the poor girl’s bills--” “I offered her money, I’ve tried to send her money,” William broke in hoarsely. “I didn’t know where she was.” The colonel nodded.