Paula approached and laid a hand on his shoulder. "It's not your fault, Mr. Ricaby," she said kindly. "You've done your best, but just think! To be compelled to live with my uncle, the man who destroyed my father's memory, who reviled my mother! Oh, it's--it's monstrous! No, they shan't compel me--I defy them--I defy the law! What do you advise?" The lawyer shook his head. "You will gain nothing by openly defying them," he said. "When in doubt--wait! Meantime I'll go and see ex-Senator Wratchett. Perhaps I can interest him in our behalf. I'll move Heaven and earth to get him--set a thief to catch a thief, eh? Oh, it's a glorious game! God knows I've tried to be fair!" They were so busy talking that they did not hear a timid knock on the door. Mrs. Parkes put her head in. "A gentleman to see Miss Marsh!" she said, holding out a card. Paula's face brightened and then grew serious as she caught sight of the name on the bit of pasteboard. "It's Mr. Chase," she said, turning to the lawyer. "He hasn't been here for an age. I'm surprised he has called so soon after the rendering of the decision. Do you think I should receive him?" Mrs. Parkes seemed surprised that there should be any question about it. "He came in a beautiful motor car!" she exclaimed. "Oh, what a magnificent machine! Royal blue color and such a handsome uniform the chauffeur has----" Mr. Ricaby frowned. He had never approved of this friendship with a young man whose motives he had reason to suspect very strongly. His calling so soon after the verdict was certainly not in the best of taste. It was more than likely that he was a spy sent by the ingenious Mr. Cooley to ferret out their plan of action. Mr. Chase had been very amiable and attentive to them in Paris and during the voyage home, but all that might be only part of the game. On the other hand, if it was a prearranged plan it would work both ways. With a little careful maneuvering they, too, might be able to find out from Tod what new tack the enemy was working on. So, on second thoughts, it might be well to encourage his visits. "Tell him to come up," he said to the landlady. Mrs. Parkes bounced out, and a moment later Tod entered. "I hope I don't intrude," was his cheery greeting. "Not at all," replied Paula, somewhat coldly. "Won't you sit down?" she said. He took a seat and drew off his gloves. Affably, he said: "Thanks--yes. I'll even take a cup of tea if you'll ask me. When I once get started on a proposition I go right round the course--even with a punctured tire." Turning to the lawyer, he went on: "Say, Mr. Ricaby--I just heard that the case has gone against you. That's fierce! I've come to have a little family talk-fest." He stopped and looked at his hostess and the lawyer. Both remained silent and non-committal. With a shrug of his shoulders, he continued: "No answer? Well, then, I'll talk to myself, and you can listen till you feel like joining in----"