reached America.

Miss Gainor, suspecting her favorite's share in this much-talked-of
affair, made haste to tell Schmidt of the intention of Carteaux to sail,
to the relief of the German gentleman, who frankly confided to her the
whole story. He spoke also once more of De Courval and urged her for
every reason to leave the young people to settle their own affairs.
Meanwhile Josiah was in bed with well-earned gout.

On the afternoon of the 14th of April, Rene came home from the State
office and said to Schmidt: "I have had paid me a great compliment, but
whether I entirely like it or not, I do not know. As usual, I turn to
you for advice."

"Well, what is it!"

"The President wants some one he can trust to go to the western counties
of this State and report on the continued disturbance about the excise
tax. I thought the thing was at an end. Mr. Hamilton, who seems to have
the ear of the President, advised him that as a thoroughly neutral man I
could be trusted. Mr. Randolph thinks it a needless errand."

"No. It is by no means needless. I have lands near Pittsburg, as you
know, and I hear of much disaffection. The old fox, Jefferson, at
Monticello talks about the excise tax as 'infernal,' and what with the
new treaty and Congress and other things the Democrats are making
trouble enough for a weak cabinet and a strong President. I advise you
to accept. You can serve me, too. Take it. You are fretting here for
more reasons than one. I hear that Carteaux is out of bed, a crippled
wreck, and Fauchet says is soon to go to France. In August the minister
himself will leave and one Adet take his place. I think you may go with
an easy mind. We are to be rid of the whole pestilent lot."

"Then I shall accept and go as soon as I receive my instructions. But I
do dread to leave town. I shall go, but am at ease only since you will
be here."

"But I shall not be, Rene. I have hesitated to tell you. I am called
home to Germany, and shall sail from New York for England on to-day a
week. I shall return, I think; but I am not sure, nor if then I can
remain. It is an imperative call. I am, it seems, pardoned, and my
father is urgent, and my elder brother is dead. If you have learned to
know me, you will feel for me the pain with which I leave this simpler
life for one which has never held for me any charm. Since Carteaux is
soon to sail, and I hear it is certain, I feel less troubled. I hope to
be here again in August or later. Yo