"I should," she said; "but—it is dreadful to have to wait."
"On our return, his Excellency said, 'Mr. Randolph, I am satisfied as regards the correctness of the Vicomte de Courval's account of Mr. Carteaux's treachery and of the vicomte's ignorance of his errand. Mr. Gouverneur sends me by Mr. Schmidt a letter concerning the despatch.'
"Then Randolph asked quietly: 'Did he see it, sir?'
"'He knows that the vicomte delivered a packet of papers to the Jean Bart.'
"'And without receipt for them or other evidence?'
"'Yes. It so seems.'
"'Then I regret to say that all we have heard appears to me, sir, to leave the matter where it was.'
"'Not quite. Mr. Fauchet is out of office and about to go home. Carteaux, as Mr. Hamilton can tell you, refused to be questioned, and has sailed for France. Adet, the new minister, will not urge the matter. You must pardon me, but, as it appears to me, an injustice has been done.'
"Randolph said testily: 'It is by no means clear to me, and until we hear of that despatch, it never will be.'