"How can they deprive her of her property if it's hers?" inquired Mrs. Parkes incredulously. "I don't know," said Harry, scratching his head. "They're doing it, that's all. Last night after talking to her lawyer over the 'phone she broke down and burst into tears. Said she was all alone in the world--had no one to protect her--and I--mother--human nature couldn't stand it. I--offered to protect her----" Mrs. Parkes sighed. "Your father would have done the same," she said. "Kindly refrain from associating my father's name with this matter," he cried impatiently. Mrs. Parkes seemed lost in thought. Her eyes filled with tears. "At a time like this I can't forget him--bad as he was--I can't help thinking of him." With a deep sigh, she added: "Well, what did--what did she say----?" "Nothing," rejoined Harry carelessly, "she looked haughtily at me and walked out of the room. Perhaps I was wrong, mother. I had no right to take advantage of her distressed condition of mind. I'm going to apologize to her. I came away from business early to-day on purpose to do so. It was too soon for a proposal--she doesn't know me well enough----" Mrs. Parkes tossed back her head indignantly. "I don't see why you should apologize," she said; "you're as good as she is--and maybe better. If I remember rightly there was some question as to her mother being legally married to the father." "That's a damnable lie invented by her relations so as to deprive her of her rights to her father's estate!" broke in Harry hotly. "And her father----" went on his mother, "they say he was crazy when he made his will." "Another lie!" he cried indignantly. "Don't you know that's what lawyers always say about a man who doesn't leave his estate to their clients. And they can get any number of people to prove it, too--if the estate is large enough." His mother was silent for a moment; then, with an air of unconcern, she asked: "How much money is there?" "I don't know--a whole pile. If there wasn't, Bascom Cooley wouldn't be the lawyer for the other side--you can bet on that." "It's very strange," mused Mrs. Parkes; "she promised me three weeks ago that she'd pay me what was owing." Harry put his hand in his pocket and brought out a roll of bank notes. "Here, mother, I'm going to pay that bill. When she gives you the money you can pay me back. I don't want you to mention it to her. Will you promise me?" Mrs. Parkes looked fondly at her son. "Is it as bad as all that?" she said. Harry looked sheepishly down at the carpet. "Yes--I'm--I'm a goner this time----" he murmured. "Well," exclaimed Mrs. Parkes, with a laugh, "your father never would have done that. No, Harry, I won't take your money. I can wait. Food is dear, rent is high, and times are hard, but I can wait----" The young man bounded forward and again threw his arms around her. "You know, mother, that's what I like about you. You're barking all the time, but you never bite."