" She told him that she was now
on her way there. Without acknowledging the presence of her
uncle, she had started to follow the others, when Mr. Hallowell
stopped her.
After they were alone, for a moment he sat staring at her, his
eyes filled with dislike and with a suggestion of childish
spite. "I might as well tell you," he began, "that after what
you said this morning, I will never give you a single dollar of
my money."
The tone in which his niece replied to him was no more
conciliatory than his own. "You cannot give it to me," she
answered, "because it is not yours to give." As though to add
impressiveness to what she was about to say, or to prevent his
interrupting her, she raised her hand. So interested in each
other were the old man and the girl that neither noticed the
appearance in the door of Dr. Rainey and the butler, who halted,
hesitating, waiting permission to enter.
"That money belongs to me," said Miss Coates slowly, "and as
sure as my mother is in Heaven and her spirit is guiding me,
that money will be given me."
In the pause that followed, a swift and singular change came
over the face of Mr. Hallowell. He stared at his niece as though
fascinated. His lower lip dropped in awe. The look of hostility
gave way to one of intense interest. His voice was hardly louder
than a whisper.
"What do you mean?" he demanded.
The girl looked at him, uncomprehending. "What do I mean?" she
repeated.
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