ecause I had my coat off, see? I told him I had it
off because it was too hot for me, and he says, Young man, if you lie
to me, I'll make I a damn sight hotter!" Mannie threw back his head and
shouted uproariously. "He's all right, Winthrop!" he declared.

Mabel, having already married Winthrop to Vera in Grace Church, with
herself in the front pew, in a blue silk dress, received this unexpected
evidence of his rare wit with delight. In ecstasy of appreciation she
slapped her knees.

"Did he say that, Mannie?" she cried. "Wasn't that quick of him! Did you
hear what he said to Mannie, Vera?" she demanded.

Their mirth was interrupted by the opening and closing of the front door
and, in the hall, the murmur of men's voices.

Vance opened the door from the hall and entered, followed by Judge
Gaylor and Rainey. With evident pride in her appearance, Vance
introduced the two men to his wife, and then sent her and Mannie from
the room--the latter with orders to dismiss the visitors in the front
parlor and to admit no others.

At the door Mrs. Vance turned to Vera and nodded mysteriously.

"If that party calls," she said with significance, "I'll put him in the
front parlor." With a look of dismay, Vera vehemently shook her head
but, to forestall any opposition, Mrs. Vance hastily slammed the door
behind her.

In his most courteous manner Judge Gaylor offered the chair at the head
of the centre table to Vera, and at the same table seated himself.
Vance took a place on the piano stool; Rainey stood with his back to the
mantel piece.

"Miss Vera," Gaylor began impressively, "I desire to apologize for my
language this morning. As Rainey no doubt has told you, I have opposed
you and Professor Vance. But I--I know when I'm beaten. Your influence
with Mr. Hallowell today--is greater than mine. It is paramount. I
congratulate you." He smiled ingratiatingly. "And now," he added, "we
are all working in unison."

"You've given up your idea of sending me to jail," said Vera.

"Vera!" exclaimed Vance reprovingly. "Judge Gaylor has apologized. We're
all in harmony now."

"Is that door locked?" asked Gaylor. Vance told him, save Mrs. Vance,
Mannie, and themselves, there was none in the house; and that he might
speak freely.

"Miss Vera," began the Judge, "we left Mr. Hallowell very much impressed
with the message you gave him this morning. The message from his dead
sister. He wants another message from her. He wants her to deci