And then Elfie caressing Erminie, inquired:
“Where have you been?”
“To the Provost Marshal’s office, to lay before him certain information regarding poor Alberta. Dr. Sales said that I must do it, and took me there,” replied Erminie, weeping.
“But what did the Provost Marshal say or do to set you grieving so?” demanded Elfie.
“Oh, nothing at all. He put me upon my oath, and then took down my statement regarding poor Alberta’s visit here and to the President’s house, and all that happened there,” replied Erminie, remembering that Elfie knew nothing about the episode of the concealed revolver.
“And what then?”
“The Provost Marshal thanked me for the information given, and requested me not to speak of it to others. So, Elfie dear, let us drop the subject, if you please.”
“But how will the Provost Marshal act upon your information?”
“I do not know. They never tell anything. They hear all that they can, but they tell nothing. It is not their business to do so.”
“Then I don’t see what there was in the interview to distress you so much,” said Elfie, rising and touching the bell.