Allison, Russell & Joy, had withdrawn his interest in the
firm to be placed in other investments.

The conversation that followed the reading of this announcement, while
confidential, was not a long one, but at its close Gilbert Allison knew
more of that firmness born of a woman's conviction than he had ever
dreamed.

* * * * *

Judge Thorn looked comfortable in his leather chair, his slippered feet
on a hassock and a new book in his hand. At any rate, Jean thought so,
as she studied him from between the parted curtains, but she was
relentless. Stealing softly behind him, she pressed her hands over his
eyes. The judge started, and the young lady laughed merrily.

Then she tried to steal away his book, but he held it.

"Let me put it up, father, I want to talk to you."

The judge still held the book.

"Then I will say 'please.'"

"Is it to be a political conversation?" he asked, gravely.

"Not a breath of politics about it," she answered.

"Any statistics to be brought in?" he questioned further.

Jean laughed again.

"Really, father," she said, "I think I may hope to win you yet. When a
judge, and a Republican at that, finds it hard to vindicate his party's
doings, and finds statistics overwhelmingly against his party's policy
on moral questions, he will look for better things in better places. At
this period of his political transmigration I believe a man is more to
be pitied for misplaced confidence than blamed for tardy understanding.
No, father, not a statistic to-night, unless you compel me to bring them
out in self-defense."

Judge Thorn slowly released his book.

"Now," said Jean triumphantly, "we are ready for a nice long talk, that
is, if you feel equal to the task of talking. What I have to say will
not take long. It is about a little interview between Mr. Allison
and--Judge Thorn's daughter, and if I had been less of a 'crank,' I
suppose you would have had another son-in-law in prospect."

"Yes?" questioned the judge. "Then I have been mistaken when I have
thought at times that you cared for him."

Jean remained silent a few minutes, then looked up quickly into her
father's face.

"You are my best, my dearest friend, father. I will tell you truly. You
have not been mistaken. I love Gilbert Allison, and I cannot help it to
save my life."

When Judge Thorn spoke again his voice had changed somewhat. He spoke as
if his words were escaping from beneath a weigh