vant, the lawyer said:

"Ask Mrs. Jeffries to come up." Turning to his client, he went on:

"I see no objection to your speaking to Mrs. Jeffries. After all, she is
your husband's stepmother. But I am free to confess that I don't
understand you. I am more than disappointed in your failure to keep your
word. You promised definitely that you would bring the witness here
to-night. On the strength of that promise I made statements to Captain
Clinton which I have not been able to substantiate. The whole story
looks like an invention on your part."

She held out her hands entreatingly.

"It's not an invention! Really, judge! Just a little while longer!
You've been so kind, so patient!"

There was a trace of anger in the lawyer's voice as he went on:

"I believed you implicitly. You were so positive this woman would come
forward."

"She will--she will. Give me only a few minutes more!" she cried.

The lawyer looked at her as if puzzled.

"A few minutes?" he said. Again he looked at her and then shook his
head resignedly. "Well, it's certainly infectious!" he exclaimed. "I
believe you again."

The door opened and Alicia appeared. The lawyer advanced politely to
greet her.

"Good evening, Mrs. Jeffries."

Alicia shook hands with him, at the same time looking inquiringly at
Annie, who, by a quick gesture, told her that the judge knew nothing of
her secret. The lawyer went on:

"Mrs. Jeffries, Jr., wishes to speak to you. I said I thought there'd be
no objection if you don't mind. May she?"

"Yes," murmured Alicia.

"Your husband was here," said the judge.

"My husband!" she cried, startled. Again she glanced inquiringly at
Annie and tried to force a smile.

"Yes," said the lawyer; "he'll be glad to know you're here. I'll tell
him." Turning to Annie, he said: "When you're ready, please send
and----"

"Very well, judge."

The lawyer went out and Alicia turned round breathlessly.

"My husband was here?" she exclaimed.

"Yes."

"You've told Mr. Brewster nothing?"

Annie shook her head.

"I couldn't!" she said. "I tried to, but I couldn't. It seems so hard,
doesn't it?" Alicia laughed bitterly and Annie went on: "I was afraid
you weren't coming!"

"The train was late!" exclaimed Alicia evasively, "I went up to Stamford
to say good-by to my mother."

"To say good-by?" echoed her companion in surprise.

"Yes," said the other tearfully. "I have said good-by to her--I have
said good-by to everybody--t