dining-room to the living-room. There they found Heman Daniels, standing
by the center table, looking embarrassed and uncomfortable.

"Now, Mr. Daniels," said Emily, "I want you to tell my cousin and
Captain Bangs just what you have told me. It's not true--I know it's not
true, and I want them to be able to contradict such a story. Tell them."

Heman fidgeted with the paper-cutter on the table.

"I merely told Miss Howes," he said, nervously, "what was told me. It
was told me by one of the parties most interested and so I accepted it
as the truth. I--I have no personal interest in the matter. As--as a
friend and--and a lawyer--I offered my services, that is all. I--"

He was interrupted by the opening of the front door. John Kendrick,
wearing his light overcoat, and hat in hand, entered the living-room.

"I'm awfully sorry to be so late, Mrs. Barnes," he began. "I was
detained at the Centre. Hello, Captain! Good evening, Daniels! Good
evening, Miss Howes!"

Captain Obed and Thankful said, "Good evening." Neither Emily nor Heman
returned the greeting. John, for the first time, appeared to notice
that something was wrong. He looked from Mrs. Barnes to Captain Bangs,
standing together at one side of the table, and at Daniels and Emily
at the other side. Heman had moved closer to the young lady, and in his
manner was a hint of confidential understanding, almost of protection.

Kendrick looked from one pair to the other. When he next spoke it was to
Emily Howes.

"Why, what's the matter?" he asked, with a smile. "This looks like a
council of war."

Emily did not smile.

"Mr. Kendrick," she said, "I am very glad you came. Now you can deny it
yourself."

John gazed at her in puzzled surprise.

"Deny it?" he repeated. "Deny what?"

Before Miss Howes could answer Heman Daniels spoke.

"Kendrick," he said, importantly, "Miss Howes has heard something
concerning you which she doesn't like to believe."

"Indeed? Did she hear it from you, may I ask?"

"She did."

"And that is why she doesn't believe it? Daniels, I'm surprised. Even
lawyers should occasionally--"

Emily interrupted. "Oh, stop!" she cried. "Don't joke, please. This is
not a joking matter. If what I have been told IS true I should--But I
know it isn't--I KNOW it!"

John bowed. "Thank you," he said. "What have you heard?"

"She has heard--" began Heman.

"Pardon me, Daniels. I asked Miss Howes."

Emily began a reply, but she did not finish i