"The pace the Eveleth money couldn't keep up with; the pace that made
her the most-talked-of woman in a society where women are talked of more
than enough; the pace that led George Eveleth to put a bullet through
his head under pretence of fighting a duel."

"Dear me! Dear me! A most unusual young woman! Do you tell me that her
husband actually put an end to himself?"

"So I understand. The affair was a curious one; but Bienville swears he
fired into the air, and I believe him. Besides, George Eveleth was found
shot through the temple, and no one but himself could have inflicted a
wound like that. To make it conclusive, Melcourt and Vernois, who were
seconds, testify to having seen the act, without having the time to
prevent it. You can see that it is a relief to me to be able to take
this view of the case--on poor Marion's account."

"Marion--your daughter! Was she mixed up in the affair?"

"Mixed up is a little to much to say. I don't mind telling you in
confidence that there was something between her and Bienville. I don't
know where it mightn't have ended; but of course when all this happened,
and we got wind of Bienville's entanglement with Mrs. Eveleth, we had to
put a stop to the thing, and pack her off to America. She'll stay there
with her aunt, Mrs. Bayford, till it blows over."

"And your friend Bienville? Hasn't he brought himself within the
clutches of the law?"

"George Eveleth was officially declared a suicide. He had every reason