d:

"Pardon me, Mrs. Jeffries, I hope I haven't kept you waiting." Noticing
her agitation and traces of tears, he looked surprised. He made no
comment but turned to Annie:

"I have been talking to Dr. Bernstein over the 'phone."

Annie approached him softly and said in a whisper:

"I've told Mrs. Jeffries that you have undertaken Howard's defense."

Judge Brewster smiled at his wealthy client, almost apologetically,
Annie thought. Then addressing her, he said:

"Yes, I've been quite busy since I saw you. I have put three of the best
detectives we have on the trail of the woman who visited Underwood that
night. I don't think the police have been trying very hard to find her.
They're satisfied with Howard's confession. But we want her and we'll
get her----"

"Oh!" gasped Alicia.

The judge was proceeding to tell of other steps he had taken when the
door opened and the head clerk entered, followed by Mr. Jeffries.

"I told Mr. Jeffries that Mrs. Jeffries was here," said the clerk.

"You might have told him that there were two Mrs. Jeffries here,"
laughed the judge.

The clerk retired and the banker, completely ignoring the presence of
his daughter-in-law, turned to his wife and said:

"I regret, my dear, that you should be subjected to these family
annoyances."

Judge Brewster came forward and cleared his throat as if preliminary to
something important he had to say. Addressing the banker, he said
boldly:

"Mr. Jeffries, I have decided to undertake Howard's defense."

His aristocratic client was taken completely by surprise. For a moment
he could say nothing, but simply stared at the lawyer as if unable to
believe his ears. With an effort, he at last exclaimed:

"Indeed!--then you will please consider our business relations to have
ceased from this moment."

The lawyer bowed.

"As you please," he said suavely.

The banker turned to his wife.

"Alicia--come."

He offered his arm and turned toward the door. Alicia, in distress,
looked back at Annie, who nodded reassuringly to her. Judge Brewster
rose and, going to the door, opened it. The banker bowed stiffly and
said:

"Pray don't trouble. Good morning, sir."

"Good morning, Mr. Jeffries," replied the judge.

As Alicia followed her husband out, she turned and whispered to Annie:

"Come and see me at my home."

When she had disappeared the judge came back into the room and sat down
at his desk.

"Well, that's done!" he exclaimed with a si