But when they
fell upon the doctor, the eyes became suddenly credulous,
pleading, filled with self-pity.
"I'm a very sick man, Doctor," said Mr. Hallowell.
Judge Gaylor bustled forward cheerily. "Nonsense, Stephen,
nonsense," he cried; "you look a different man this morning.
Doesn't he, Doctor?"
"Sure he does!" assented Rainey. "Little sleep was all he
needed." Mr. Hallowell shook his head petulantly. "Not at all!"
he protested. "That was a very serious attack. This morning my
head hurts -- hurts me to think -- "
"Perhaps," said Gaylor, "you'd prefer that I talked to your
niece."
"No!" exclaimed the invalid excitedly. "I want to see her
myself. I want to tell her, once and for all -- " He checked
himself and frowned at the Doctor. "You needn't wait," he said.
"And Doctor," he added meaningly, "after these people go, you
come back."
With a conscious glance at the Judge, Rainey nodded and left
them.
"No," continued the old man; "I want to talk to my niece myself.
But I don't want to talk to Winthrop. He's too clever a young
man, Winthrop. In the merger case, you remember -- had me on the
stand for three hours. Made me talk too." The mind of the old
man suddenly veered at a tangent. "How the devil can Helen
retain him?" he demanded peevishly. "She can't retain him. She
hasn't any money. And he's District Attorney too. It's against
the law. Is he doing it as a speculation? Does he want to marry
her?"
Judge Gaylor laughed soothingly.
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