the doctor--asked you wouldn't use the telephone; they're afraid of
a leak."

Apparently Wharton did not hear her. As though it were "Exhibit A,"
presented in evidence by the defense, he was studying the card she
had given him. He stuck it in his pocket.

" I'll go to him at once," he said.

To restrain or dissuade him, the woman made no sudden move. In
level tones she said:

"Your brother-in-law asked especially that you wouldn't do that
until you'd fixed it with the girl. Your face is too well known.
He's afraid some one might find out where he is-- and for a day or
two no one must know that."

"This doctor knows it," retorted Wharton.

The suggestion seemed to strike Mrs. Earle as humorous. For the
first time she laughed. "Sammy!" she exclaimed. "He's a lobbygow of
mine. He's worked for me for years. I could send him up the river
if I liked. He knows it." Her tone was convincing. "They both
asked," she continued evenly, "you should keep off until the girl
is out of the country, and fixed." Wharton frowned thoughtfully.

And, observing this, the eyes of the woman showed that, so far,
toward the unfortunate incident the attitude of the district
attorney was to her most gratifying. Wharton ceased frowning. "How
fixed?" he asked. Mrs. Earle shrugged her shoulders.