ars."

"You don't think any harm has come to her?" questioned the girl.

"I cannot think what harm could, and yet--it is very strange. She was
about the age of my dear daughter when she died, and I cannot get her out
of my mind. When you first appeared in the doorway you gave me quite a
start. I thought you were she. If I can find any trace of her, I mean to
investigate this matter. I have a feeling that that girl needs a friend."

"I am sure she would be very happy to have a friend like you," said the
girl, and there was something in the eyes that were raised to his that
made the Judge's heart glow with admiration.

"Thank you," said he warmly. "That is most kind of you. But perhaps she
has found a better friend by this time. I hope so."

"Or one as kind," she suggested in a low voice.

The conversation then became general, and the girl did not look up for
several seconds; but the young man on her right, who had not missed a word
of the previous tete-a-tete, could not give attention to the story Mrs.
Blackwell was telling, for pondering what he had heard.

The ladies now left the table, and though this was the time that Dunham
had counted upon for an acquaintance with the great judge who might hold a
future career in his power, he could not but wish that he might follow
them to the other room. He felt entire confidence in his new friend's
ability to play her part to the end, but he wanted to watch her, to study
her and understand her, if perchance he might solve the mystery that was
ever growing more intense about her.

As she left the room, his eyes followed her. His hostess, in passing
behind his chair, had whispered:

"I don't wonder you feel so about her. She is lovely. But please don't
begrudge her to us for a few minutes. I promise you that you shall have
your innings afterwards."

Then, without any warning and utterly against his will, this young man of
much experience and self-control blushed furiously, and was glad enough
when the door closed behind Mrs. Bowman.

Miss Remington walked into the drawing-room with a steady step, but with a
rapidly beating heart. Her real ordeal had now come. She cast about in her
mind for subjects of conversation which should forestall unsafe topics,
and intuitively sought the protection of the Judge's wife. But immediately
she saw her hostess making straight for the little Chippendale chair
beside her.

"My dear, it is too lovely," she began. "So opportune! Do tell