investigate this matter. I have a feeling that that girl needs a friend."

"I am sure she would be very happy to have a friend like you," said the
girl, and there was something in the eyes that were raised to his that
made the Judge's heart glow with admiration.

"Thank you," said he warmly. "That is most kind of you. But perhaps she
has found a better friend by this time. I hope so."

"Or one as kind," she suggested in a low voice.

The conversation then became general, and the girl did not look up for
several seconds; but the young man on her right, who had not missed a word
of the previous tête-à-tête, could not give attention to the story Mrs.
Blackwell was telling, for pondering what he had heard.

The ladies now left the table, and though this was the time that Dunham
had counted upon for an acquaintance with the great judge who might hold a
future career in his power, he could not but wish that he might follow
them to the other room. He felt entire confidence in his new friend's
ability to play her part to the end, but he wanted to watch her, to study
her and understand her, if perchance he might solve the mystery that was
ever growing more intense about her.

As she left the room, his eyes followed her. His hostess, in passing
behind his chair, had whispered:

"I don't wonder you feel so about her. She is lovely. But please don't
begrudge her to us for a few minutes. I promise you that you shall have
your innings afterwards."