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.
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