Laughter and applause met his remarks.

Thus, and gallantly, did Kentucky make amends.
"Madam," at length interrogated the tall man at the head of the table, bending upon her his gaze, as did all these other grave figures present,--"provided this matter might be arranged, would it be within your pleasure to accept some such remuneration as that, for services which should be given quite within your wishes?
I need not say," he added, turning his gaze along each side of the long table, "that this is something which, _in view of all circumstances_, to me also seems quite within dignity, decency and absolute public propriety." But Josephine St.Auban could make no reply.

Her face was hidden in her hands, and only her heaving shoulders showed the sudden emotion which had swept upon her overstrained soul.

At last she felt a gentle hand touch hers.

She raised her head as, one after another, these men approached, each extending his hand to her and bowing in salutation.