"I shall demand an explanation," he replied; "lay down the proofs, and give him a chance to disprove; and do it quietly—there is no need to proclaim my error."
"You are not at fault—the letters were authentic," said Maynadier.
"Possibly not—but I shall bear the blame, nevertheless, of having made the imposition possible. I do not like it! Maynadier, I do not like it! If I thought he would depart with Brandon, I would——" he broke off and shook his head in indecision. "He has done no one, so far as we know, an injury—other than to enter their houses under a false name. He has, even then, compensated for his entertainment by his genialness and his courtesy. It will raise a nasty scandal, and accomplish no real good. If there were any crime, for which he was responsible, it would be quite different. I grant you, he played cards for a high stake, and usually with success, but no one accuses him of cheating—and there were those who were willing to play."
"And, in addition, you like him!" laughed Maynadier.
"Yes, I like him—I reckon that does influence my judgment."
"But the fact remains, that he is not Sir Edward Parkington. How will you answer, if it ever become known—even after he has departed? 'I knew it,' or, 'I did not know'?"
"I knew it."
"Then, how explain your failure to unmask him?"
"I should decline to explain," said the Governor.
"Such would be your privilege. I admit the matter (as it appears now) is purely one of ethics, and expediency—and there are things to be said on both sides."