ely all that transpired, and while Leon
was thoroughly charmed by the altered manner of his hostess, Dr.
Medjora decided, within his own mind, that in relation to this boy his
wife's actions would require the closest scrutiny.

Presently a gong sounded, and a few moments later a servant announced:

"Judge Dudley. Miss Dudley."

The Judge came in with extended hand, and was warmly greeted by the
Doctor, while the young lady went up to Madame, who kissed her on her
cheek, and received her with an outward show of cordiality, which a
close observer might have seen was but a polite veneer. The Doctor
hastened to bring Leon forward, and presented him first to the Judge,
and then to Miss Agnes Dudley.

The young people bowed their acknowledgments, and as they raised their
heads, so that their eyes met, both started slightly. Leon was
astonished to recognize the face of the girl whom he had met when
studying Venus, and whose image had recurred to him that night on Lake
Massabesic.

CHAPTER VI.

AGNES DUDLEY.

After the trial of Dr. Medjora, the young men who had so successfully
defended him became rapidly prominent. Within six months they were
retained in another celebrated case, and won new laurels. Within five
years they were counted among the first lawyers of the Metropolis, and
had already a practice which assured them ease and comfort for their
declining years.

Mr. Dudley continued to be the ardent student that he had always been,
and those who knew how well versed he was in law, were not at all
surprised when he was eventually made a judge, a position which at
this time he had held with honor for five years. He had achieved
well-deserved fame. Aside from his undoubted probity, he really graced
his position, for it was very seldom that any of his rulings were
reversed by the higher courts.

I may mention here, parenthetically, that Mr. Bliss had also risen in
his profession, and had just been elected District Attorney, having
previously acquitted himself well as an assistant to his predecessor.

Agnes Dudley, the Judge's daughter, was eighteen years of age, having
been born about a year after the Medjora trial. Indeed, Dr. Medjora
always called her his godchild, because he had been present at her
birth, and had enjoyed an intimate acquaintance with her and her
parents throughout the years that followed. Judge Dudley had not
merely defended Dr. Medjora as a matter of business. Having no
positive opini