This was a question he was unprepared for. He looked at Paula helplessly and then turned to Mr. Cooley. There was a hurried whispering, during which time Paula and her attorney stood waiting. Finally Jimmy came forward: "You will come and live with us, of course?" he said. "Yes," she replied, with a careless nod. "Yes, as our own child, Paula," he went on eagerly. "Oh, yes," she repeated. "You will have a regular allowance from the estate," continued her uncle. "Yes." "You will be your own mistress. That is--er--you will come and go as you please, of course. But I think it best that we--that is, your aunt--select such companions for you as--er--we deem advisable." "To safeguard my morals, I presume?" "No, no; just a--a social precaution. Perhaps it won't be necessary. I don't insist on it. It just occurred to me, that's all. Of course we shall be guided by your own desires, but as your uncle and guardian I reserve the right to decide what is best for your social welfare." "What about my debts?" "Your debts?" He looked helplessly at Mr. Cooley. The big lawyer guffawed, and said promptly: "They will be paid out of the estate." "My counsel fees are very large," went on Paula. "I owe Mr. Ricaby an enormous sum." "We'll examine his accounts carefully and decide," echoed Jimmy. "No," said Paula decisively, "his accounts will not be examined carefully. They will be paid without question--and without delay." Mr. Cooley shrugged his shoulders. "We'll--we won't discuss that point now." "We won't discuss that point now," echoed Jimmy. Turning to her attorney, he said: "Mr. Ricaby, you will turn over all the papers referring to this or any other matter that Miss Marsh may be interested in--as in future Mr. Cooley will be her counsel and legal adviser." "Indeed!" cried Paula. "Yes, my dear girl," said her uncle; "it would be rather inconvenient to have more than one legal adviser in the family. In fact, it will be impossible--quite impossible." Paula shook her head. "Mr. Ricaby is my friend--the only friend I have in the world," she said. "That's rather a pity," answered Jimmy, with a feeble attempt at irony. He turned to Mr. Cooley and the lawyer shook his head. Jimmy went on: "I am very sorry, Paula, but that doesn't alter the position. It's the one point I'm afraid I must insist on." Paula turned to her attorney. "Mr. Ricaby, will you kindly tell these gentlemen that our interview is at an end?" Jimmy started forward. "Paula! My dear niece----" "I have nothing further to say," answered Paula coldly. "Paula--won't you listen?" "Please ask them to go," she repeated. "Won't you reconsider?" cried her uncle. "I express my sincere regret for any annoyance I may have caused you." She smiled bitterly. All the hate that she had nourished in her heart against this man was now heated to boiling point. Vehemently she burst out: