et by a rumor that
something took place between you and the plaintiff at that party the
other night. How was that?"

"There may have been something," said Amidon calmly, "but you must get
particulars from some one else--Clara, perhaps. You see, she was
giving tests, and put me into that--Brassfield state, (why, I can't
understand)--and I don't know what occurred; but there was something."

"I'd like to know about that," said the judge contemplatively, "I'd
like to know. That stairway episode--that collision, you remember--may
not count for much on the trial; but with a few corroborative
circumstances, eh, my boy? Farmer jury; pretty girl; blighted
affection; damned villain, you know. But say! she's got something to
prove if she wins, under the authorities here, and there are more cases
in this state than there ought to be in the whole world; but a
summer-resort engagement, girl of mature years, a little bit swift down
the quarter-stretch and all that--cheer up, Florian, we'll win, or
we'll make it a great case----"

"Blodgett," answered Amidon, who heard with horror the lawyer's
forecast of the trial, "she may not have to prove anything. There may
not be any trial. I must know these facts! I may owe her reparation.
I may--anything! I must know; and no one but Madame le Claire can help
us, and she must act through that accursed scoundrel who has got us
into all this--Brassfield! Go to her, Blodgett, and tell her that she
must see us. I have asked for an interview a dozen times since that
reception but she won't see any one. Get an interview for this
afternoon; and you must be present and hear her bring out of him a full
confession; not as my attorney, but as my friend, as a gentleman. If
you find out the worst, as I believe, I shall offer----"

Judge Blodgett gave Amidon's hand a warm grasp.

"That's like you, Florian," he exclaimed, "and it's the part of a man!
But I'd see her in Halifax first! Why, you may be called to give
up--have you considered--Miss Wald----"

"No no!" said Amidon, "that--_she_ is no longer a factor in the case.
It's all over with her anyhow, if---- I can't talk of that; but can't
you see that this other matter must be cleared up--before I can even
come into her presence? Can't you see----"

"I'll see the madame," said the judge. "Yes--I'll see her! I'll see
her at once. I guess you're right about it, Florian."

Madame le Claire was keenly conscious of the converging lin