ee." To Dr. Zacharie he said: "Sit over there,
will you, doctor?"

"Certainly, with pleasure."

The physician rose, and, crossing the room, took Professor Bodley's seat
at back of table where Paula could not see him.

"So you are afraid of yourself?" continued the inspector.

"No--I don't mean--that," she answered quickly.

"You told Dr. Zacharie so--you told us so," interrupted Mr. Cooley
rudely.

"Yes," she said slowly, "but I meant----"

She stopped, not knowing what to reply.

"Well, never mind!" smiled the inspector. Looking at her curiously, he
asked: "Why are you afraid of your uncle?"

"I don't know," she replied, hesitating. "He-- I'm afraid of him, that's
all. I can't explain why." Laughing hysterically, she went on: "I'm at a
disadvantage here. I can't seem to say even what I've said a great many
times."

The physicians looked at each other significantly. Mr. Cooley nudged
Jimmy. The examiner went on:

"Did you tell Dr. Zacharie that you'd rather die than let your uncle get
his brother's estates?"

"I may have said so. It's very probable," answered Paula quietly.

"Did you say you'd rather he was dead?"

"No, I did not," she answered emphatically. Pointing to Dr. Zacharie she
exclaimed indignantly: "That man has twisted my words! He'd ask me
questions, and I'd answer them without thinking."

"Oh!" sneered Mr. Cooley. "Then you might have said it and have
forgotten that you said it?"

"Yes, I might," she said falteringly. "But I--I don't think it's fair
to--to--to---- It isn't fair----"

"Naturally she would deny it," suggested Dr. Zacharie in an undertone to
the other physicians.

"Of course," chimed in Mr. Cooley. "I think we've established the facts
that she fears him, hates him, and wishes he was dead. That alone is
ground enough for our application."

Suddenly there was a commotion in the hall outside. The door was flung
open and Tod appeared, cool and self-possessed.

"Thank God!" exclaimed Paula, overjoyed.

"Hello, everybody!" grinned Tod. "Why, I didn't know you were giving a
party, Miss Marsh!"

"What do you want here?" demanded Jimmy, trying to prevent his stepson's
further entrance.

But Paula jumped up and ran eagerly to greet him. Never had he been so
welcome. In one instant her anxiety and apprehension had disappeared.
Her manner was entirely changed. Smiling, she extended her hand:

"I'm so glad to see you, Mr. Chase--so glad! Won't you come in?"

Mr. Cooley fr