, who was standing at
his side. "You were about to say,"--

"Eh--oh--ah! this Kate Howard? So! I have heard of her--yees! And
Miss Yerba--ah--she is of my country--I think. Yes--we shall claim
her--of a truth--yes."

"Your countrymen, I believe, are in the habit of making claims that are
more often founded on profit than verity," said Paul, with smileless
and insulting deliberation. He knew perfectly what he was saying, and
the result he expected. Only twenty-four hours before he had smiled at
Pendleton's idea of averting scandal and discovery by fighting, yet he
was endeavoring to pick a quarrel with a man, merely on suspicion, for
the same purpose, and he saw nothing strange in it. A vague idea, too,
that this would irrevocably confirm him in opposition to Yerba's
illusions probably determined him.

But Don Caesar, albeit smiling lividly, did not seem inclined to pick
up the gauntlet, and Woods interfered hastily. "Don Caesar means that
your ward has some idea herself that she is of Spanish origin--at
least, Milly says so. But of course, as one of the oldest trustees,
YOU know the facts."

In another moment Paul would have committed himself. "I think we'll
leave Miss Yerba out of the question," he said, coldly. "My remark was
a general one, although, of course, I am responsible for any personal
application of it."

"Spoken like a politician, Hathaway," said Judge Baker, with an
effusive enthusiasm, which he hoped would atone for the alarming
results of his infelicitous speech. "That's right, gentlemen! You
can't get the facts from him before he is ready to give them. Keep
your secret, Mr. Hathaway, the court is with you."

Nevertheless, as they passed out of the room to join the ladies, the
Mayor lingered a little behind with Woods. "It's easy to see the
influence of that Pendleton on our young friend," he said,
significantly. "Somebody ought to tell him that it's played out down
here--as Pendleton is. It's quite enough to ruin his career."

Paul was too observant not to notice this, but it brought him no sense
of remorse; and his youthful belief in himself and his power kept him
from concern. He felt as if he had done something, if only to show Don
Caesar that the girl's weakness or ignorance could not be traded upon
with impunity. But he was still undecided as to the course he should
pursue. But he should determine that to-night. At present there
seemed no chance of talking to her alone