To him, Desmond said frankly that the affair was altogether out of the common, that it was likely that the whole facts would be known shortly, but that, as other persons were concerned, he could not speak of it until he had obtained their permission.
"Then I will ask no further," Colonel O'Brien said.

"I have seen enough of you to know that you would not be concerned in any affair that could bring discredit upon the corps.

I am curious to know the whole story, but am quite content to wait until you feel at liberty to tell me." The next morning, Desmond took part in the usual work of the regiment, and then, mounting his horse, rode to Versailles.

On his ringing the bell at the house occupied by the Baron de Pointdexter, the old servitor, whom he had before seen, opened the gate.
"The baron is expecting you, monsieur," he said, bowing deeply; and, at his call, another servant ran out and took Desmond's horse, and led it away to the stable, while Desmond followed the old man to the house.
The door opened as they approached, and the baron, a tall man, some fifty years of age, advanced hastily, holding out both hands.
"Monsieur Kennedy," he said, "you have rendered to me the greatest service that I have received during my life.

No words can express the gratitude that I feel, for one who has restored to me my only child, just when I had come to believe that she was lost to me forever.