THE PRICE OF A TERRIBLE DEED. While Judge Camden dawdled over the newspapers in his elegant library that evening, Amber came in and drew a chair to his side. He glanced around at the superb young beauty, with her glowing cheeks and flashing eyes, and inquired, sarcastically: “Well, what is it? A big dry-goods bill for me to pay?” “Not this time, dear grandpapa,” cooed Amber, sweetly. “Then it’s a big check to buy jewelry or folderols. You never come wheedling around me like this for nothing,” retorted the crusty old judge in a tone of conviction. “Oh, how cruelly I am misunderstood,” sighed the girl, and after a moment of profound silence for effect, she continued: “I came to talk to you about Violet.” “Umph!” “Are you determined to make her marry Mr. Castello?” “I have sworn it!” curtly. “In spite of her love for Cecil?” “Cecil be--hanged!” returned the old man, violently. “Then you entirely ignore his claim on Violet?” “I ignore it utterly! Now look here, my girl,” and he wheeled around on her, wrathfully, “if you come to me to wheedle me into consenting to the affair between Violet and that fortune-hunting Cecil Grant, you’re wasting words, let me tell you, and also making matters worse for yourself! I won’t be interfered with, I tell you squarely; and you will mind your own business if you know which side your bread is buttered on, miss!” “Yes, sir,” meekly. “So now, if you’re satisfied, you can go back and tell Violet what I said, and leave me in peace to read my papers!” “I’m not satisfied yet, sir,” demurely. “The mischief you are not? But I won’t hear another word, I tell you--not another word! And mind you, Amber, I may leave you out of my will if you persist in meddling with my business,” furiously. Amber smiled slyly at his perturbation, and answered in a low, deep, and measured voice: “Grandpapa, you are more hasty than wise. You have simply jumped at the conclusion that I came here to plead my cousin’s cause.” He stared at her in amazement and exclaimed: “Didn’t you ask me if I was determined to ignore that fellow’s claim on Violet?” “Certainly.” “And didn’t you mean to take his part?” dubiously. “Certainly not!” “Then, by gad, what did you mean, girl? Explain yourself!” “Don’t speak so loud, grandpapa, please. If we are heard, everything is lost,” breathed Amber, glancing timorously at the door, with her taper finger at her lips. He suppressed another growl and contented himself with glaring impatiently at her from the shade of his heavy, beetling white brows. Secure of her victory, Amber smiled archly at him, and cried, gayly: “Don’t look at me so angrily, like a great lion about to gobble me up; for though I am only a little mouse I am going to help you to your wish.” “You,” contemptuously. “You can’t persuade Violet to marry Castello, I know, and you can’t lure Grant away from her, for I think you’ve already tried that game, and failed, eh?”