"I will. They meet in the north gallery, wrapped in dark cloaks, and
play ghost if anyone comes. I concealed myself behind the screen last
evening at dusk, and satisfied myself that my suspicions were correct. I
heard little of their conversation, but that little was enough."

"Repeat it, if you please."

"Sir Jasper seemed pleading for some promise which she reluctantly gave,
saying, 'While you live I will be true to my word with everyone but him.
He will suspect, and it will be useless to keep it from him.'

"'He will shoot me for this if he knows I am the traitor,'
expostulated Jasper.

"'He shall not know that; I can hoodwink him easily, and serve my
purpose also.'

"'You are mysterious, but I leave all to you and wait for my reward.
When shall I have it, Edith?' She laughed, and answered so low I could
not hear, for they left the gallery as they spoke. Forgive me, General,
for the pain I inflict. You are the only person to whom I have spoken,
and you are the only person who can properly and promptly prevent this
affair from bringing open shame and scandal on an honorable house. To
you I leave it, and will do my part with this infatuated young man if
you will withdraw the temptation which will ruin him."

"I will. Thank you, Major. Trust to me, and by tomorrow I will prove
that I can act as becomes me."

The grief and misery in the general's face touched the major; he