"Something like this"--kissing him on the ear. "But how do you feel?" "Certain that my lawyer will win my case." He smiled. "And how are you?" "Brimful of ideas." "Yes? About the----" "Yes. And about you. First, answer a few of your counsel's questions. Have you been doing much at your scientific work of late?" "The last two months, since the water-works has been practically completed, I have spent almost my whole time at it." "And your work was interesting?" "Very. You see, I think I am on the verge of discovering that the typhoid bacillus----" "You'll tell me all about that later. Now the first order of your attorney is, just as soon as you have finished your coffee and folded your napkin, back you go to your laboratory." "But, Katherine, with this affair----" "This affair, worry and all, has been shifted off upon your eminent counsel. Work will keep you from worry, so back you go to your darling germs." "You're mighty good, dear, but----" "No argument! You've got to do just what your lawyer tells you. And now," she added "as I may have to be seeing a lot of people, and as having people about the house may interrupt your work, I'm going to take an office." He stared at her. "Take an office?" "Yes. Who knows--I may pick up a few other cases. If I do, I know who can use the money." "But open an office in Westville! Why, the people----Won't it be a little more unpleasant----" He paused doubtfully. "Did you see what the _Express_ had to say about you?" She flushed, but smiled sweetly. "What the _Express_ said is one reason why I'm going to open an office." "Yes?" "I'm not going to let fear of that Mr. Bruce dictate my life. And since I'm going to be a lawyer, I'm going to be the whole thing. And what's more, I'm going to act as though I were doing the most ordinary thing in the world. And if Mr. Bruce and the town want to talk, why, we'll just let 'em talk!" "But--but--aren't you afraid?" "Of course I'm afraid," she answered promptly. "But when I realize that I'm afraid to do a thing, I'm certain that that is just exactly the thing for me to do. Oh, don't look so worried, dear"--she leaned across and kissed him--"for I'm going to be the perfectest, properest, politest lady that ever scuttled a convention. And nothing is going to happen to me--nothing at all." Breakfast finished, Katherine despotically led her father up to his laboratory. A little later she set out for downtown, looking very fresh in a blue summer dress that had the rare qualities of simplicity and grace. Her colour was perhaps a little warmer than was usual, but she walked along beneath the maples with tranquil mien, seemingly unconscious of some people she passed, giving others a clear, direct glance, smiling and speaking to friends and acquaintances in her most easy manner.