He wrote a few lines in his note-book and held it before her. "Would this be entirely agreeable to you? 'Judge Allison Kent: Duncan died two days ago. I burned the "Ely Twiggs" papers to-night. Never mention them to Eglah. She wishes you to meet her in Philadelphia Saturday.'" "Thank you; that is what I prefer. When you come back----" "I hope never to come back. I will not lead a sham life, and I will not live under the same roof with one who, to please her father, tried to love me and found she could not." "When you come back I shall try to be in Europe, and you may rest assured of no intrusion. My marriage gives me control of my own estate, and now I wish to know the amount it cost you to recover the bonds you delivered to the college." "You must excuse me if I decline to answer. That matter concerns only Nina and myself. What I did was solely for her and my father." "I shall find out, and send a check to your lawyers." "My lawyers know absolutely nothing about it, and as your father must not suspect you heard the conversation, you will scarcely ask him. I have some letters to write, memoranda to arrange for Martin, and several telegrams to send immediately. Our train starts at two A.M., and you can get a sound sleep, which you sadly need. I ordered your dinner sent here. Do you wish your trunk?" She shook her head. "Try to get a good rest. You will be called in time for the train. I have papers to prepare that will keep me busy until then. Eglah--poor little girl--" She looked up at him defiantly, but the peculiar expression in his brilliant eyes she could not understand. He caught his mustache between his teeth, picked up the tin box, and left her. CHAPTER XXII The weather had changed. After rain a keen north wind curled the waters of the great lake into wreaths of foam, breaking against the terrace, and the old Scotch clock in the lower hall struck midnight as Mr. Herriott's carriage drew up before the open door of his house. When he stepped to the ground a wild uproar of rejoicing dogs greeted him, and it was some seconds before he could rid himself of caressing paws. He assisted Eglah out, and turning toward the light met Amos Lea. "Why, old man! It was kind of you to sit up for us. You should be asleep in your bed. Here is Mrs. Herriott. You saw her one summer." The gardener held out his rough, hard hand, and she laid hers in it. "Welcome home, madam. I hope you will be good to the lad; he will always do right by you." Mr. Herriott laughed as he led her up the stone steps. "Amos, you can not lecture her as you do me." The housekeeper and one of the maids came forward for wraps and satchels. "Mrs. Orr, Mrs. Herriott is very tired. Did you receive my telegram from Carville?" "Yes, sir; the blue room is in order; bath, fire, supper, everything all ready." Drawing Eglah's arm through his, he ascended the wide oak staircase, saying: