At the door Mrs. Vance turned to Vera and nodded mysteriously.
"If that party calls," she said with significance, "I'll put him
in the front parlor." With a look of dismay, Vera vehemently
shook her head but, to forestall any opposition, Mrs. Vance
hastily slammed the door behind her.
In his most courteous manner Judge Gaylor offered the chair at
the head of the centre table to Vera, and at the same table
seated himself. Vance took a place on the piano stool; Rainey
stood with his back to the mantel piece.
"Miss Vera," Gaylor began impressively, "I desire to apologize
for my language this morning. As Rainey no doubt has told you, I
have opposed you and Professor Vance. But I -- I know when I'm
beaten. Your influence with Mr. Hallowell today -- is greater
than mine. It is paramount. I congratulate you." He smiled
ingratiatingly. "And now," he added, "we are all working in
unison."
"You've given up your idea of sending me to jail," said Vera.
"Vera!" exclaimed Vance reprovingly. Judge Gaylor has
apologized. We're all in harmony now."
"Is that door locked?" asked Gaylor. Vance told him, save Mrs.
Vance, Mannie, and themselves, there was none in the house; and
that he might speak freely.
"Miss Vera," began the Judge, "we left Mr. Hallowell very much
impressed with the message you gave him this morning. The
message from his dead sister. He wants another message from her.
He wants her to decide how he shall dispose of a very large sum
of money -- his entire fortune.
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