"Are you here at the request of your stepfather?" interrupted Mr. Ricaby coldly. The young man gave him a look that was intended to be withering. Instinctively he knew that Mr. Ricaby was no friend of his, and perhaps he guessed the reason. But he did not come to see the lawyer. He liked Paula and was sincerely sorry for her. He did not propose to be bluffed out of his newly made friendship by the unreasonable suspicion of a jealous rival. Sharply he retorted: "No. I am here at my own request. I'm sorry for this little girl. I saw her in court several times when they were trying to break the will, and my heart went out to her. I want to help her. Oh, I know I don't look like anybody's friend. I'm fat--I'm selfish--and I love myself to distraction--and all that, but--I give you my word I felt sorry for her. I'll never forget her face the day she testified. Gee whiz! Cooley laid it onto Uncle John--your father I mean--didn't he? It wasn't right--I felt sorry, and I told Jimmy so. Miss Marsh, believe it or not--I'm here to express myself as thoroughly disgusted with the methods my folks have employed to get Uncle John's money." "Why do you call my father Uncle John?" demanded Paula haughtily. "I got your Uncle Jimmy when he married my mother," laughed Tod, "and I take everything that goes with him--including Uncle John and you--I don't see why I shouldn't have the nice things, too." "Thank you," she answered, trying to suppress a smile. Tod grinned. "I understand you're coming to live with us?" he said. Paula's face darkened again. "Am I?" she said frigidly. "Cooley says so," he went on, "and Jimmy seconded the motion, so I thought I'd come ahead--and sort of break the ice, as it were. I told mother and she said it wasn't a bad idea--for me--and here I am. You are coming, aren't you? It'll be awfully jolly for me. Please say yes--one plunge and it's all over." Paula was forced to laugh in spite of herself. Then recalling suddenly his attitude at the trial, she demanded: "Why did you laugh in court when they said my father was a drunkard?" "Laugh?" he exclaimed. "I couldn't help it. All that Cooley was able to prove was that your father drank a quart of champagne at dinner, now and then. Why, I do that myself--even when I'm out of training! One quart? Why, it's pitiful! I'm laughing yet, but understand, I was laughing for you--not against you." She turned away her head so he should not see she was smiling. But he was not slow to note the advance he was making, and, thus encouraged, he went on: "Another--and perhaps the real reason why I came--and this is on the level--I'm responsible for this whole state of affairs." Mr. Ricaby looked up in surprise. "You?" he exclaimed.