Williams news., 1915-06-10
Mead 6 Company


 with one of his sour smiles directed to- wards the former, he said:
 T wouldn't be talking about this, sergeant It will do no good, and may subject us to ridicule'
 The sergeant, none too well pleased, nodded slightly. Seeing which. she spoke up:
 T don't know about that, I should think it but proper reparation, to the dead to let it be known that his own story of innocence has received this late confirmation"
 But the lawyer continued to shake his head, with very sharp look at the sergeant. If he could have his way he would have this matter stop just where it was.
 This is my daughter. Judge Os- trander; Reuther, this is the judge"
 The introduction took place at the outer gates whither the judge had gone to receive them.
 Reuther threw aside her veil and looked up into the face bent courte- ouSly towards her.. It had no look of Oliver. They were fine eyes notwith- standing, piercing by nature, but just now misty with a feeling that took away all her fear. He was going to like her; she saw it in every trembling line of his countenance, and at the thought a smile rose to her lips.
 With a courteous gesture he invited them in, but stopping to lock one gate before leading them through the oth- CT, Mrs. Scoville had time to observe that since her last visit with its ac- companying inroad of the populace, the two openings which at this point gave access to the walk between the fences had been closed up with boards so rude and dingy that they must have come from some old lumber pile in at tic or cellar
 The judge detected her looking at them.
 T have cut off my nightly prom enade," said he. With youth in the house, more cheerful habits must pre- vail Tomorrow l shall have my lawn cut, and if I must walk after sundown I will walk there."
 The two women exchanged glances. Perhaps their gloomy anticipations were not going to be realized
 But once within the house, the judge showed embarrassment. }ti
 "I have few comforts to offer," said he, opening door at his right and then hastily closing it again. This part of the house is, as you see, com pletely dismantled and not-very clean. But you shall have carte blanche to arrange to your liking one of these rooms for your sitting room and parlor. There is furniture in the attic and you may buy freely what ever else is necessary. I don't want to discourage little Reuther As for your bedrooms" He stopped, hemmed a little and flushed a vivid red as he pointed up the dingy flight of uncarpeted stairs towards which he led them. They are above; but it is with shame I admit that I have not gone above this floor for many years. Consequently, T dent know how it looks up there or whether you can even find towels and things. Have I counted too much on your good na- ture?"
 No; not at all. In fact, you simply arouse all the housekeeping instincts within me-" 'i-
 The judge drew a breath of relief and led Reuther towards a door at the end of the hall.
 This is the way to the dining room and kitchen,'' he explained. q have been accustomed to having my meals served in my own room, but after this I shall join you at table. Here," he continued, leading her up to the iron door, lis the entrance to my den. You may knock here if you want me, but there is curtain beyond, which no my dear, and will excuse an old mans eccentricities?
 She smiled, rejoicing only in the caressing voice, and in the yearning, almost fatherly, manner with which he surveyed her.
 q quite understand" she said; and so will mother"
 "Reuther," he now observed with a strange intermixture of gentleness and authority, there is one thing l wish to say to you at the very start. I may grow to love you-God knows that a little affection would be a welcome change in my life-but I want you to know and know now, that all the love in the world will not change nay deci- sion as to the impropriety of match between you and my son Oliver That settled, there is no reason why all should not be clear between us."
 All is clear
 Faint and far off the words sounded, though she was standing so near he