"I cal'late that's so," she agreed. "Still, he's been just as fur gone with others, if all they say's true. Mr. Daniels is a fascinator, so everybody says."

"Yup. Prides himself on it, always seemed to me. But there generally comes a time when that kind of a lady-killer gets. .h.i.t himself. Lots of females have been willin' to marry Heman, but he's never given 'em the chance. About so fur he'll go and then shy off."

"How about that widow woman over to Bayport?"

"Well, I did think he was goin' to cast anchor there, but he ain't, up to now. That widow's wuth a lot of money--her husband owned any quant.i.ty of cranberry bog property--and all hands cal'lated Heman had his eye on it. Maybe he and the widow would have signed articles only for Miss Howes heavin' in sight."

"Well, I suppose he's a good man; I never heard a word against him that way. And he's a risin' lawyer--"

"Yes--or riz."

"Yes. But--but I somehow wouldn't want Emily to marry him."

Captain Obed agreed heartily. "Neither would I," he declared. Then, after a moment, he added: "Hasn't it seemed to you that John Kendrick was kind of--well, kind of headin' up towards--towards--"

"Yes. Ye-es, I have thought so. I joke Emily a little about him sometimes."

"So do I, John. How do you think she"--with a jerk of the head toward the living-room--"feels--er--that way?"

"I don't know. She likes him, I'm sure of that. But, so fur as I know, there's no understandin' between them. And, anyhow, John couldn't think of gettin' married, not for a long spell. He hasn't got any money."

"No, not yet he ain't, but he will have some day, or I miss my guess.

He's gettin' more popular on the Cape all the time, and popular in the right places, too. Why, the last time I was in South Denboro Cap'n Elisha Warren spoke to me about him, and if Cap'n 'Lisha gets interested in a young feller it means a lot. 'Lisha's got a lot of influence."

"You say you joke with John about Emily. How's he take the jokes?"

"Oh, he takes 'em all right. You can't get him mad by teasin'

him, 'cause he won't tease. He generally comes right back at me about--er--that is--"

"About what?"

"Oh--nothin'. Just nonsense, that's all. Well, I cal'late I'd better be goin' if I want to fetch the postoffice afore it's shut up."

But he was destined not to "fetch" the postoffice that night. He had risen to go when the dining-room door opened and Emily appeared. Her face was flushed, and she seemed excited and angry.

"Auntie," she said, sharply, "Auntie, will you come into the living-room a moment. I want you to hear what that--what Mr. Daniels says. Don't stop to talk. Come! Captain Bangs, you may come, too. You are--are his friend and you should hear it."

Surprised and puzzled, Thankful and the captain followed her through the dining-room to the living-room. There they found Heman Daniels, standing by the center table, looking embarra.s.sed and uncomfortable.

"Now, Mr. Daniels," said Emily, "I want you to tell my cousin and Captain Bangs just what you have told me. It's not true--I know it's not true, and I want them to be able to contradict such a story. Tell them."

Heman fidgeted with the paper-cutter on the table.

"I merely told Miss Howes," he said, nervously, "what was told me. It was told me by one of the parties most interested and so I accepted it as the truth. I--I have no personal interest in the matter. As--as a friend and--and a lawyer--I offered my services, that is all. I--"

He was interrupted by the opening of the front door. John Kendrick, wearing his light overcoat, and hat in hand, entered the living-room.

"I'm awfully sorry to be so late, Mrs. Barnes," he began. "I was detained at the Centre. h.e.l.lo, Captain! Good evening, Daniels! Good evening, Miss Howes!"

Captain Obed and Thankful said, "Good evening." Neither Emily nor Heman returned the greeting. John, for the first time, appeared to notice that something was wrong. He looked from Mrs. Barnes to Captain Bangs, standing together at one side of the table, and at Daniels and Emily at the other side. Heman had moved closer to the young lady, and in his manner was a hint of confidential understanding, almost of protection.

Kendrick looked from one pair to the other. When he next spoke it was to Emily Howes.

"Why, what's the matter?" he asked, with a smile. "This looks like a council of war."

Emily did not smile.

"Mr. Kendrick," she said, "I am very glad you came. Now you can deny it yourself."

John gazed at her in puzzled surprise.

"Deny it?" he repeated. "Deny what?"

Before Miss Howes could answer Heman Daniels spoke.

"Kendrick," he said, importantly, "Miss Howes has heard something concerning you which she doesn't like to believe."

"Indeed? Did she hear it from you, may I ask?"

"She did."

"And that is why she doesn't believe it? Daniels, I'm surprised. Even lawyers should occasionally--"

Emily interrupted. "Oh, stop!" she cried. "Don't joke, please. This is not a joking matter. If what I have been told IS true I should--But I know it isn't--I KNOW it!"

John bowed. "Thank you," he said. "What have you heard?"

"She has heard--" began Heman.

"Pardon me, Daniels. I asked Miss Howes."

Emily began a reply, but she did not finish it.

"I have been told--" she began. "I have been told--Oh, I can't tell you!

I am ashamed to repeat such wicked nonsense. Mr. Daniels may tell you; it was he who told me."

John turned to his fellow pract.i.tioner.

"Very well," he said. "Now, Daniels, what is it?"

Heman did not hesitate.

"Miss Howes has heard," he said, deliberately, "that your client, Mr.

Holliday Kendrick, is determined to force Mrs. Barnes here into selling him this house and land, to force her to sell whether she wishes it or not. Is that true?"

John nodded, gravely.

"I'm afraid it is," he said. "He seems quite determined. In fact, he said he had expressed that determination to the lady herself. He did that, didn't he, Mrs. Barnes?"