"'Make any impression on her mind!' No! I--I did not even attempt to.
How could I, when I only saw her behind a grate, with the prioress on
one side of her and the portress on the other? My visit was silent
enough, and short enough, and sad enough. Why can't she come out of
that? What have I done to deserve to be made miserable? I don't deserve
it. I am the most ill-used man in the United States service."

While Cloudy spoke, old Jenny was hurrying in and out between the house
and the kitchen, and busying herself with setting the table, laying the
cloth and arranging the service. But presently she came in, throwing
wide the door, and announcing:

"Two gemmun, axin to see marster."

Thurston arose and turned to confront them, while Paul became suddenly
pale on recognizing two police officers.

"Good-afternoon, Mr. Willcoxen--good-afternoon, gentlemen," said the
foremost and most respectable-looking of the two, lifting his hat and
bowing to the fireside party. Then replacing it, he said: "Mr.
Willcoxen, will you be kind enough to step this way and give me your
attention, sir." He walked to the window, and Thurston followed him.

Paul stood with a pale face and firmly compressed lip, and gazed after
them.

And Cloudy--unsuspicious Cloudy, arose and stood with his back to the
fire and whistled a sea air.

"Mr. Willcoxen, you can see for yourself the import of this paper," said
the officer, handing the warrant.

Thurston read it and returned it.

"Mr. Willcoxen," added the policeman, "myself and my comrade came hither
on horseback. Let me suggest to you to order your carriage. One of us
will accompany you in the drive, and all remarks will be avoided."

"I thank you for the hint, Mr. Jenkins; I had, how ever, intended to do
as you advise," said Thurston, beckoning his brother to approach.

"Paul! I am a prisoner. Say nothing at present to Cloudy; permit him to
assume that business takes me away, and go now quietly and order horses
put to the carriage."

"Dr. Douglass, we shall want your company also," said the officer,
serving Paul with a subpoena.

Paul ground his teeth together and rushed out of the door.

"Keep an eye on that young man," said the policeman to his comrade, and
the latter followed Paul into the yard and on to the stables.

The haste and passion of Paul's manner had attracted Cloudy's attention,
and now he stood looking on with surprise and inquiry.

"Cloudy," said Thurston, approaching h