The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-02

him aud his standing in this corlmu-
nifty, I know you did, because Mrs.
Pike told me you asked all about him
from Mamie after you came last night
and. see here, don't you
oh, but I knew before that" shs
laughed. II had a correspondent in
Canaan. one who has always taken =
great interest In Mr.. Loudsn. I asked
Miss Pike only to set her own point of
view"
T want 70 tell you. madam" he
shouted. coming toward her. that no
member Of my household--
That's another point we must take
I'D today. I'm glad you remind ne o.
IT." she said. thou ghtfuily, yet with so
aaeieally compelling an intonation thas
he stepped his shouting IN the middle
90 q word; stopped with an apopieotio
sriusssr. we must arrange to put the
old house IN order at oncs"
We'll arrange nothing OF the SORT
he responded, after a moment OF angry
silence. You're geing to stay righa
here"
"Ah. know your hospitality" shs
must not tax II too far. And about Mr..
Louden? AS said. want 10 speak 90
you about him."
Yes he interviewed, harshly. so do
!, and I'm going to do IL quick To1n
find"
Hes a. dear old friend OF mine, you
know. and I have made up my mind
that We both need his help, you and l."
What
Yes" she continued. calmly. 'fn q
business way. mean. know you have
great interests IN a hundred directions,
all more important than mine; ie tsn'n
fair that you should bear the whois
burden OF my afairs, and I think IL wiz
be best to retain Mr.. Lordsa s my man
OF business. He could take all the cares
OF the estate OF your shoulders"
Martin Pike spoke no word. but he
looked az her strangely; and shs
watched him with sudden kssnnsss.
leaning forward IN her chair. her gazs
alert but quiet. fixed on the dilating
pupils OF his eyes. He seemed 70 b.
come dizzy. and the chole-ic scRriss
which had overspread bis broad racs,
and big neck faded splotchily.
Still keeping her eyes upon him, she
went on: II haven't asked him yet, and
so I don't know whether or not hsI
consent, but I think 10 possible that
he may come TO see me this afternoon.
and II he does we can propose IL to him
together and go over things little.
Judge Pike recovered his voice. He'll
get. a warm welcome" he promised.
huskily, III he sets foot on my prem
ises.
you mean you prefer shouldn't re-
csive him hereT' She nodded pleasantly
Then certainly I shall not such
things are much better TOT omces' you
are quite right"
You'll not see him at all.
"Ah. Judge Pike" she lifted her hand
with gentle depreciation. don't you un-h
derstand that we can't quits arrange
that You see, Mr. Louden IS even an
older friend OF mine than you are. and
so must trust his advice about such
things more than yours. OF course, IL
he, too, should think IL better for ma
not to see him
The Judge advanced toward her. I'm
tired of this he began. In a loud voice.
Tim"
She moved as IL TO rise. but he had
come very close. leaning above her. one
arm outstretched and at the end of IL
a heavy forehnger which he was shak-
ing at her. so that IL was difficult TO
get out OF her chair without pushing
him away--a feat apparently impossi-
bic. Ariel Tabor. in rising. placed her
hand upon his outstretched arm. quite
as 10 he had offered II to assist herr
he fell back a step in completes aston
ishment; she rose quickly. and res
leased his arm
It's quite all my fault that you're
tired I've been thoughtless to keep YOU
so long. and you have been standing.
too" she swept lightly and quickly
to the door, where she paused. gather
ing her skirts II shall not detain
you another instant. And II Mr.. Lou
den comes this afternoon I'll rernen-
Der. I'll not let him conn in. OF course.
II will be perhaps pIeasanter to
talk over my proposition as we walk
There was very faint. spicy odor
like wild roses and cinnamon left in the
room where Martin Pike stood alone.
staring whitley at the open doorway.
(To Be Continuedl