s hands into his pockets with a curse, and Masterson turned to him
with a frowning, baffled stare--an absolutely crestfallen manner, as
he listened to the following, read in Delaven's best style:

"To Madame Smith, "Mobile, Ala.:

"The pink morning gown is perfect, but I am in despair over the
night robes! I meant you to use the lace, not the embroidery, on
them; pray change them at once, and send at the same time the
flounced lawn petticoats if completed. I await reply.

"Judithe de Caron."

CHAPTER XXV.

"Certainly, I apologize," and Masterson looked utterly crushed by his
mistaken zeal; "apologize to every one concerned, collectively and
individually."

Even McVeigh felt sorry for his humiliation, knowing how thoroughly
honest he was, how devoted to the cause; and Mrs. McVeigh was
disconsolate over "loyal, blundering Phil Masterson," whom, she could
not hope, would remain for the party after what had occurred, and she
feared Judithe would keep to her room--who could blame her? Such a
scene was enough to prostrate any woman.

But it did not prostrate Judithe. She sent for Mrs. McVeigh, to tell
her there must on no account be further hostilities between Colonel
McVeigh and Captain Masterson.

"It was all a mistake," she insisted. "Captain Masterson no doubt only
did his duty when presented with the statements of the secret service
man; that the statements were incorrect was something Captain
Masterson could not, of course, know, and she appreciated the fact
that, being a foreigner, she was, in his opinion, possibly, more
likely to be imposed upon by servants who were not so loyal to the
South as she herself was known to be."

All this she said in kindly excuse, and Mrs. McVeigh thought her the
most magnanimous creature alive.

Her only anxiety over the entire affair appeared to be concerning her
maid Louise, who, also, was suffering the suspicion attaching to
foreigners who were non-residents; it was all very ridiculous, of
course, but would necessitate her going personally to Savannah. She
could not leave so faithful a creature in danger.

Mrs. McVeigh prevailed upon her to send word with Mr. Pierson to the
authorities, and remain herself for two days longer--until Kenneth and
his men left for the front, which Judithe consented to do.

Masterson, who for the first time in his life found the McVeighs
lacking in cordiality to him (