"Suppose we omit the 'honor'."
"That is not easy to do. I AM my cousin's attorney. But, as Mrs. Barnes'
friend and yours, I--"
Emily stamped her foot. "Friend!" she cried. "I don't care for such
friends. I have heard enough. I don't wish to hear any more. You were
right, Mr. Daniels. I apologize for doubting your word. Aunt Thankful,
you must settle this yourself. I--I am through. I--I am going. Please
don't stop me."
She was on her way to the door of the dining-room. Heman Daniels called
her name.
"One minute, Miss Howes," he said. "I trust you will not forget you have
one friend who will be only too glad to work for Mrs. Barnes' interests
and yours. I am at your service."
"Thank you, thank you, Mr. Daniels. I--I have no doubt we shall need
your services. But please don't--"
John Kendrick was at her side.
"Miss Howes--Emily--" he pleaded. "Don't misunderstand me."
She burst out at him like, as Captain Obed said afterward, "an August
thunder tempest."
"Misunderstand!" she repeated. "I don't misunderstand. I understand
quite well. Don't speak to me again."
The door closed behind her. Thankful, after an instant's hesitation,
hurried out after her.
"Excuse me, gentlemen," said Daniels, and followed Mrs. Barnes.
Captain Obed turned to his friend.
"For the Lord sakes, John!" he shouted. "What in the everlastin' do you
mean? What did you let her go that way for? Why didn't you tell her you
wouldn't do it?"
But Kendrick paid not the slightest attention.
Pages:
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238