He nodded. "Your judgment will be the best. A woman is worth two men in such a case. Carry out your plan, Martha. Interview her, and then we'll see--we'll see." He held open the office door for his visitor to pass out, and woman-like her memory flew back. It seemed but yesterday that this man was hanging on her looks, pleading for her love. A fleeting glance at his expressionless face as he waited for her to pass him was enough. Again her eyes swept the dingy anteroom. "Good-by, Calvin, it's been a relief to talk to you," she said. They shook hands. "If I'd married him," thought Miss Lacey, "that room wouldn't look like that." The judge softly closed the door behind her. "There, but for the grace of God," he murmured devoutly, "goes Mrs. Calvin Trent." Then he returned to his desk, put on his hat, and sat down at his work. Before long Dunham returned. His employer beckoned him with a long, bony finger. The young man's eyes glistened, and he tiptoed forward obediently. "What's the matter with you?" uneasily. "She--the lady has gone?" "Certainly, Judge. I saw her just now disappearing up the street." "Well, listen. I have decided not to go to Boston Wednesday morning. You will go in my place." "Yes?" "Miss Lacey is going on the same train." "Ah," Dunham nodded slowly and with becoming gravity. "You will have a seat in the parlor car. She will not have. Martha would think that nonsense; but her errand will be at the same place as yours. My sister married her brother. Both are dead, and they have left a daughter who has come out of the West to Boston to seek us. I suspect there may be a good deal of wool clinging to her." "A lamb, of course," murmured Dunham. "The disposition of this girl is costing Miss Lacey considerable worry, and me quite as much, although I don't think best to let Martha know it. I intended to go to the hotel to meet her myself; but"-- The younger man smiled, and the judge saw that he understood. "I shall prepare some memoranda for you. What I am ready to buy is peace. You understand? You will be cautious, and not let me in for anything except perhaps immediate expenses. Follow Miss Lacey's lead; but let her lead. Eh?" "Certainly, Judge Trent. As I said before, I can manage this with one hand tied behind me. It isn't as if it were the Evans case." "The Evans case!" Judge Trent growled scornfully. "The Evans case is a bagatelle to this. Now you see to it that you're wise as a serpent in this matter. First and foremostly, and last and lastly, I won't have that girl in my house. Understand?" "Oh, surely. I understand." "Let Miss Lacey make the decisions and you be cautious." "Ay, ay, Judge," returned Dunham airily. CHAPTER III A RAILWAY TRIP