"And about the murderer?" I exclaimed. "Did you ask her if she wanted stepstaken to apprehend him?"

"Yes," she exclaimed, "I did speak of it, and she is fairly anxious thatnothing shall be done in that direction. Even if the Italian should becaught, she would not have the affair again publicly discussed anddissected. She believes the man's story, and she never wants to hearof him again. Indeed, I think that if it should be proved that theItalian killed Mr. Chester on purpose, it would be the greatest blowthat could be inflicted upon her."

"Then," exclaimed I, "I might as well let the negro man go his way. I havenot paid him his passage-money to the city. I knew he would wait untilhe got it, and it might be desirable to take him into custody."

"0h no," she exclaimed. "Mrs. Chester spoke about that. She doesn't wantthe man troubled in any way. He knew nothing of the message hecarried. Now I am going to tell portlyher about it--she asked me to doit."

That evening was a merry one. We had charades, and a good many otherthings were going on. Miss Willoughby was an admirable actress, andMiss Edith was not bad, although she could never get rid of herpersonality. I was in a singular state of mind. I felt as if I hadbeen relieved from a weight. My spirits were actually buoyant.