So it was to Mr. Daniels, after all, that the damage suit came, and Heman brought about a three-hundred-dollar settlement.  Most of East Wellmouth pronounced Kendrick “too pesky particular,” but in some quarters, and these not by any means the least influential, his attitude gained approval and respect.  This feeling was strengthened by his taking Edgar Wingate’s suit against that same railroad.  Edgar’s woodlot was set on fire by sparks from the locomotive and John forced payment, and liberal payment, for the damage.  Other cases, small ones, began to come his way.  Lawyer Daniels had enemies in the community who had been waiting to take their legal affairs elsewhere.

Heman still professed entire indifference, but he no longer patronized his rival.  John had a quiet way of squelching such patronage and of turning the laugh, which was annoying to a person lacking a sense of humor.  And then, too, it was quite evident that Emily Howes’ liking for the younger man displeased Daniels greatly.  Heman liked Emily, seemed to like her very much indeed.  On one or two occasions he had taken her to ride behind his fast horse, and he often brought bouquets and fruit, “given me by my clients and friends,” he explained.  “One can’t refuse little gifts like that, but it is a comfort, to a bachelor like me, to be able to hand them on—­hand them on—­yes.”

The first of August brought a new sensation and a new resident to East Wellmouth.  The big Colfax estate was sold and the buyer was no less a personage than E. Holliday Kendrick, John Kendrick’s aristocratic Fifth Avenue cousin.  His coming was as great a surprise to John as to the rest of the community, but he seemed much less excited over it.  The purchase was quietly completed and, one pleasant morning, the great E. Holliday himself appeared in East Wellmouth accompanied by a wife and child, two motor cars and six servants.

Captain Obed Bangs, who had been spending a week in Orham on business connected with his fish weirs, returned to find the village chanting the praises of the new arrival.  Somehow or other E. Holliday had managed already to convey the impression that he was the most important person in creation.  The captain happening in at the High Cliff House after supper, found the group in the living-room discussing the all-important topic.  Most of the city boarders were out enjoying a “marshmallow toast” about a bonfire on the beach, but the “regulars” were present.

“Where’s Mrs. Thankful?” was Captain Obed’s first question.

“She’s in the kitchen, I think,” replied John.  “Shall I call her?”

“Oh, no, no!  It ain’t particular.  I just—­just wondered where she was, that’s all.  I wouldn’t trouble her on no account.”

John smiled.  He seemed quietly amused about something.  He regarded his friend, who, after a glance in his direction, was staring at the lamp on the table, and said: 

“I’m sure it would be no trouble, Captain.  Better let me tell her you are here.”