The deferential gravity of his tone impressed me anew with the man's
worth, and I felt that the stricken wife had a tower of strength in
the faithful servitor.

"I left Cooper there, Madame," he went on. "They--they will not bring
Mr. Schuyler home tonight. In the morning, perhaps. And now, Madame,
will you not go to rest? I will be at the service of these gentlemen."

It seemed cruel to torture them further that night, and the three
ladies were dismissed by Lowney, and, attended by their maids, they
left us.

"Now, Jepson," Lowney began, "tell us all you know about Mr.
Schuyler's doings. I daresay you know as much as the valet does. Was
Mr. Schuyler as a man of the world, different from his life in this
house?"

Jepson looked perturbed. "That's not for me to say, sir."

"Oh, yes, it is, my man. The law asks you, and it is for you to tell
all you know."

"Well, then," and the butler weighed his words, "my master was always
most strict of habit in his home. The ladies are very reserved, and
abide by rules and standards, that are, if I may say so, out of date
to-day. But, though Mr. Schuyler was by no means a gay man or a member
of any fast set, yet I have reason to think, sir, that at times he
might go to places where he would not take Mrs. Schuyler, and where he
would not wish Mrs. Schuyler to know he had been himself."