r was of much the
same type, but a lighter weight. He married an Irish beauty, a Miss
O'Hara, as poor as himself. He died young, I believe, and I'd lost sight
of the lot, till this Mademoiselle Diane de la Ferronaise floated into
view, some five years ago, in the train of the Nohant family. Her
marriage to George Eveleth, which took place almost at once, was looked
upon as an excellent thing all round. It rid the Nohants of a poor
relation, and helped to establish the Eveleths in the heart of the old
aristocracy. Since then Diane has been going the pace."

"What pace?"

"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
to be one--though I don't want to say anything against Mrs. Eveleth.
When Bienville refused to put an end to him, he evidently decided to do
it himself. His family know nothing about that, so please don't let it
slip out if you see Diane. With her notions, the husband fallen in her
cause has perished on the field of honor; and if that's any comfort to
her, let her keep it. As for Bienville, he's joined y