The judge, with his usual legal
acumen, perceived the cogency of his friend's argument. He met Mr.
Keith's wishes more than half-way. On an impulse of downright
good-nature--there was no other interpretation to be put on it--he
released all the Russians, including the Messiah. They were
excarcerated then and there on a decree of "provisional liberty," which
looked well in the records of the Court and, being interpreted,
signified immunity from further judicial molestation. The incident was
closed.
People talked about it none the less. They discussed Don Giustino, his
past career and present prosperity. As for Mr. Muhlen--he was already
almost forgotten. So was the Commissioner's lady. Madame Steynlin alone
brought herself to say a few kind words about both of them. She was
ready to say kind things about anyone. The magic of love! Her heart,
under the influence of Peter, had opened so wide as to embrace not only
the Russian colony, but even the nine thousand families of Chinese
cultivators who, according to a paragraph in the morning's newspaper,
had perished in a sudden inundation of the Hoang-Ho.
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