powers are at an end. If I have displeased you, I
shall do so no longer. Here are my proofs."

She placed her papers in the hand of her escort, the nearest of
these grave and silent men. A nod from the leader at the head of
the table caused this tall and dark gentleman to rise and seek a
place closer to the window in order that he might find better light
for reading. His glasses upon his nose, he scanned the papers
gravely. A sudden smile broke out upon his face, so that he passed
a hand across his face to force it back into its usual lines of
gravity.

"Gentlemen," said he, at length, solemnly, "this lady has been kind
to come to meet us, and you all are witness that her dealings have
been perfectly frank and sincere. I confess, however, I am
somewhat puzzled over this document which she has given me. I
presume we may well mark it 'Exhibit A.' If you do not mind, I
will read it to you."

Slowly, deliberately, employing all the tones of his deep and
sonorous voice, which before then had thrilled audiences of
thousands in every portion of his country, he read; his face
studiously turned away that he might not see the dismayed gestures
of the woman who had handed him these papers:

"MY DEAR MADAME:

"I take in hand my pen to tell you how life goes
with us in this locality. The business of Hector is
improved one half this year. We have green blinds
on all sides of the house, and a vine that grows also.
The mother of Hector is kind to me. We have
abundance and peace at this place. But, Madame,
that which it is which I write you, there is come but
now the baby of Hector and myself Jeanne. In all
this locality there is no baby like this. Madame, we
have said to name it for yourself, Josephine St. Auban
Jeanne Marie Fournier. Moreover, Madame, it is
advise that for a baby so remarkable a godmother is
necessary. I take my pen in hand to inquire of
madame whether in the kindness of her heart madame
could come to see us and be present at this christening
of this child most extraordinary. I have the assurance
also of Hector that the remarkable qualities of this
baby will warrant the presence of madame. A reply
_poste restante_, address on St. Genevieve in Missouri,
will arrive to your faithful and obedient servant,

"JEANNE."

Before this singular document had been half concluded there were
sounds of shifting chairs, bursts of stifled laughter. The tall