However, be that how it may, my own rooted conviction at the time, which has remained unshaken ever since, is that in some way he became aware that he was unjustly suspected, and being, like all Americans, of a sensitive nature, he retired to his native land.

Anyhow, I have never seen or heard anything of him since.

I am aware that Jane holds a different opinion, but then Charles had prejudiced her against him--so much so that it has ended by becoming a subject on which we do not converse together.
* * * * * I saw Charles again a few months later on a sultry night in July.

I was leaving town the next day to be present at Ralph's wedding, and Jane and I were talking it over towards ten o'clock, the first cool time in the day, when he walked in.

He looked pale and jaded as he sat down wearily by us at the open window and stroked the cat, which was taking the air on the sill.