us forget that ever since we
came here she has manifested a charmingly hospitable spirit where we are
concerned!"

"Wouldn't charity hit nearer the mark, Price?"

"I have never so regarded it, Solomon," said the judge mildly. "I have
read a different meaning in the beef and flour and potatoes she's sent
here. I expect if the truth could be known to us she is wondering in
the midst of her grief why I haven't called, but she'll appreciate the
considerate delicacy of a gentleman. I wish it were possible to get cut
flowers in this cussed wilderness!"

The judge had been occupied with a simple but ingenious toilet. He had
trimmed the frayed skirts of, his coat; then by turning his cuffs inside
out and upside down a fresh surface made its first public appearance.
Next his shoes had engaged his attention. They might have well
discouraged a less resolute and resourceful character, but with the
contents of his ink-well he artfully colored his white yarn socks where
they showed though the rifts in the leather. This the judge did gaily,
now humming a snatch of song, now listening civilly to Mahaffy, now
replying with undisturbed cheerfulness. Last of all he clapped his dingy
beaver on his head, giving it an indescribably jaunty slant, and stepped
to the door.

"Well, wish me luck, Solomon, I'm off--come, Hannibal!" he said. At
heart he cherished small hope of seeing Betty, advantageous as he
felt an interview might prove. However, on reaching Belle Plain he and
Hannibal were shown into the cool parlor by little Steve. It was more
years than the judge cared to remember since he had put his foot inside
such a house, but with true grandeur of soul he rose to the occasion;
a sublimated dignity shone from every battered feature, while he fixed
little Steve with so fierce a glance that the grin froze on his lips.

"You are to say that judge Slocum Price presents his compliments and
condolences to Miss Malroy--have you got that straight, you pinch
of soot?" he concluded affably. Little Steve, impressed alike by the
judge's air of condescension and his easy flow of words, signified that
he had. "You may also say that judge Price's ward, young Master Hazard,
presents his compliments and condolences--" What more the judge might
have said was interrupted by the entrance of Betty, herself.

"My dear young lady--" the judge bowed, then he advanced toward her
with the solemnity of carriage and countenance he deemed suitable to
the occasi