The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1907-06-28

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removing herself as soon aud as far a
possible from tile vicinity OF the
brary.
Eusene. vlsibly perturbed. followe
her TO the doorway Or the room an
paused.
do you know the way" he inquiI
ed. with note o. sOIemnity.
Where" Ariel had not risen.
"To the library"
''Of course" she said. beaming upOI
him. Il was about to ask you if yot
wouldn't speak T. the judge for me
This is such comfortable old friend
this chair"
Speak Ia him for you" repeated
the nonplused Eugene.
She nodded cheerfully. IF i may
trouble You. Tell him certainly
shall be glad TO see him."
Eugene went. There was nothing
else to do. And he wished with every
| step that the distance to the portals
Of the library might have been greater.
In whatever guise he delivered the
summons II was perfectly efficacious.
A door slammed, a heavy and rapid
/ tread was heard in the hall. and Ariel.
without otherwise moving turned her
head and offered a brilliant smile of
greeting.
ut was good of you" she said as the
doorway filed with red, imperial wrath.
ito wish to have a little chat with me.
I'm anxious. of course, to go over my
affairs with you, and last night after
my journey | was too tired. But now
we might begin, not in detail of course.
just yet. That will do for later when
I've learned more about business"
The great one had stopped on the
threshold.
Madam" he began coldly. when ]
say my library | mean my
ooh, yes she interrupted. with ami
able WEAKNESS; Il know. You mean
you keep all the papers and books of
the estate in there. but | think we'd
better put them off for a few days.
I'm not talking about the estate!
he exclaimed What | want to talk
to you about is being seen with Joseph
Louden"
: yes" she nodded brightly. That's |
along the line we must take up first"
Eyes. it Isl. He hurled his bull bass |
at her. You knew everything about |
him and his standing in this communi-
ty! 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 | knew before that" she
laughed. Il had. correspondent in
Canaan, one who has always taken a 4
great interest in Mr. Louden. | asked
Miss Pike only to get her own point of
yiew."
Il want to tell you. madam" he
houted, coming toward her, that no
member of my household"
That's another point we must take
- today I'm glad you remind me of
t." she said thoughtfully yet with so
1agically compelling an intonatiOn
hat he stopped his shouting in the
middle Of a word, stopped with an
poplectic splutter I'VE must arrange
D put the old house in order at once"
Wen arrange nothing of the sort"
e responded after moment of angry
Hence you're going to stay right :
ere" Ii
"Ah. l know your hospitality" she |
owed graciously. But of course |
lust not tax 1t too far And about r
Ir. Louden? As l said. ! want to q
'eak to you about him"
Yes" he interviewed harshly, $50 do y
and I'm going to do it quick! You'll J.
nd p
Again she mysteriously baftled him. q
He's a dear Old friend ofImine, you II
low, and l have made up my mind r
at we both need his help, you and t. 0
What" a
Yes she continued calmly, lin a "
lsiness way, mean. know you
I've great interests in hundred di- II
ctions, all more important than mine. q
isn't fair that you should bear the a.
hole burden of my affairs, and | "
ink it will be beet to retain Mr.
)uden as my man Of business. He
uld take all the cares of the estate
vnIlr chnuIdara -