stood still, aware that the President
was slowly considering what further he desired to say.

The pause was strange to De Courval as he stood intently watching the
tall figure in black velvet, and the large features on which years of
war and uneasy peace had left their mark.

Then with more than his usual animation, the President came nearer to De
Courval: "I have myself, sir, often had to bide on time for full
justification of my actions. While you are in pursuit of means to deal
with the suspicions arising, permit me to say, from your own imprudence
you will have to bear in silence what men say of you. I regret, to
conclude, that I cannot interfere in this matter. I discover it to be
more agreeable to say to you that personally I entirely believe you. But
this you must consider as spoken 'under the rose'"--a favorite
expression. De Courval flushed with joy, and could say no more than: "I
thank you. You have helped me to wait."

The general bowed, and at the door, as they were passing out, said: "I
shall hope to see you again in the service, and you must not think of
retiring permanently from the work which you have done so well. I remind
myself that I have not yet thanked you for your report. It has greatly
relieved my mind." On this he put out his hand, over which Rene bowed in
silent gratitude, and with a last look at the weary face of the man
whose life had been one long sacrifice to duty, he went away, feeling
the strengthening influence of a great example.

As they reached the street, Rene said, "How just he is, and how clear!"

"Yes. A slowly acting mind, but sure--and in battle, in danger, swift,
decisive, and reckless of peril. Are you satisfied?"

"Yes, I am. I shall be, even though this matter is never cleared up."

"It will be. He said so, and I have long since learned to trust his
foresight. In all my long experience of the man, I have scarcely ever
heard him speak at such length. You may live to see many men in high
places; you will never see a greater than George Washington. I know him
as few know him."

He was silent for a moment, and then added, "When I was young and hasty,
and thought more of Alexander Hamilton than I do to-day, he forgave me
an outburst of youthful impertinence which would have made a vainer man
desire to see no more of me." De Courval, a less quick-tempered
character, wondered that any one should have taken a liberty with the
man they had just left.

"But now I must leave