ad.

"What are you good for?" she demanded. "Aren't you paid a good salary
to keep my husband's father from disgracing us all? Why don't you do
it then? Why don't you do it?"

Evan bit his lip to keep from smiling in her face. To an outsider
these family rows smacked of burlesque. One could always depend on the
actors to play their regular parts.

"If you would please explain," said Evan mildly.

"Read that!" She thrust a letter at him.

Evan read:

"Mrs. George Deaves:

Dear Madam:

Your husband has declined to purchase the latest anecdote of Mr. Simeon
Deaves, and has bidden us to let the general public enjoy the laugh.
This we will very gladly do, but knowing you to be a lady of sensitive
nature, it seemed too bad not to give you a chance to act in the matter
first. The story will be published in the _Clarion_ this evening
unless we hear from you or from Mr. Deaves. In case you wish to stop
it please see our letter of yesterday for instructions how to reach us
and what to send.

In the meantime pray accept, dear Madam, the assurances of our
distinguished consideration, and believe us,

Yours most respectfully,
THE IKUNAHKATSI."

"Why wasn't it sent?" she cried.

"Mr. Deaves decided that they were bluffing this time," said Evan.

"You advised me!" said Deaves.

"Certainly" said Evan. "That's all I can do. The decision rests with
you."

"Why wasn't I consulted?" cried Maud.

And so the storm raged up and down. Evan devoutly wished himself some
place else.

"Knowing your father's propensity for disgracing us I don't believe
it's a bluff!" cried Maud.

"Disgracing you!" retorted the old man. "Whose money paid for those
gew-gaws?"

"Must I stand here to be insulted in the presence of my husband!"

"Papa, be quiet!"

"Disgracing you? Where would you all be, but for this disgraceful old
man I'd like to know!"

But neither of the men was any match for Maud. Within a quarter of an
hour she had driven the old man from the room and reduced her husband
to a palpitating jelly.

In the end the latter said hopelessly: "Very well, I'll send the money."

Maud swept triumphantly out of the room. Evan looked after her with a
new eye. During the last few minutes an extraordinary suspicion had
come into his mind, an incredible suspicion, but it would not down.

The wretched George Deaves played with the objects on his desk. "All
very well to say I'll send it," he muttered. "But w