m like, as Captain Obed said afterward, "an August
thunder tempest."

"Misunderstand!" she repeated. "I don't misunderstand. I understand
quite well. Don't speak to me again."

The door closed behind her. Thankful, after an instant's hesitation,
hurried out after her.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," said Daniels, and followed Mrs. Barnes.

Captain Obed turned to his friend.

"For the Lord sakes, John!" he shouted. "What in the everlastin' do you
mean? What did you let her go that way for? Why didn't you tell her you
wouldn't do it?"

But Kendrick paid not the slightest attention. He was gazing at the door
through which Emily and Thankful had disappeared. His face was white.

"John," repeated the captain.

"Hush!" ordered John. He strode to the door and opened it.

"Emily!" he cried. "Emily!"

There was no answer. John waited a moment and then turned and walked to
the window, where he raised the shade and stood looking out.

"John," said the captain again.

"Hush! Don't say anything to me now."

So Captain Obed did not speak. A few minutes later the dining-room door
opened and Mr. Daniels entered. His expression was one of complete, not
to say malicious, satisfaction. John turned at the opening of the door.

"Emily," he began. Then, seeing Daniels, he remained silent, looking at
him.

"Kendrick," said Heman, with dignity, "in the matter which we have just
been discussing you will hereafter deal with me. That is Mrs. Barnes'
wish and also Miss Howes'."

John did not reply. Once more he walked to the door and opened it.

"Miss Howes!" he called. "Emily! If you will let me explain--Emily!"

"I'll go fetch her," declared Captain Obed. John pushed him back.

"Don't interfere, Captain," he said, sharply. "Emily!"

No answer. Daniels made the next remark.

"I'm afraid you don't get the situation, Kendrick," he said. "Neither
Miss Howes nor Mrs. Barnes cares to see you or speak with you. After
this you are to deal with me. They have asked me, as a FRIEND,"
emphasizing the word, "to act as their representative in this and all
matters."

John turned and looked at the speaker.

"In all matters?" he asked, slowly.

"Yes sir, in all."

"And they refuse to see me?"

"It would--er--seem so. . . . Is there anything further, Kendrick? If
not then this affair between your--er--client and mine would appear to
be a matter of skill for you and me to contest. We'll see who wins."

John still looked at him.

"So t