"I gave you the letter to relieve you of all participation," the Colonel said. "I do not need it. I have abundant evidence without it, and there may be more, besides."
She gave a little gasp, and sat up.
"Then I can do nothing?" she asked.
"Nothing," he said, his hand stroking tenderly the dark tresses—"the matter must go on to its finish. The people of the Province shall not say that I knew he was an impostor, yet did not expose him. I regret it, my dear, but when one takes another's name, he commits a crime against society which cannot be tolerated."
"What shall I tell him?" she asked.
"Tell him you have the letter, and that the Governor will not use the information it contained."
"That will be the truth," she reflected.
"It will," he said; "and, further, you need not go."
And she, knowing it was useless to argue or implore, kissed him, and went, slowly, the letter of Lady Catherwood clutched tightly in her fingers.