“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.  Hello, 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 practitioner.

“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?”