Rainey, swaying slightly, jerked open the door of the bedroom.
"I'll tell him," he panted thickly. "I'll tell him to do as you
say."

"Thank you, I wish you would," said Winthrop.

At the same moment, from the hall, Garrett announced, "Mrs.
Vance, sir." And Mabel Vance, tremulous and frightened, entered
the room.

Winthrop approached her eagerly.

"Ah! Mrs. Vance," he exclaimed, "can I see Miss Vera?"

Embarrassed and unhappy, Mrs. Vance moved restlessly from
foot to foot, and shook her head.

"Please, Mr. District Attorney," she begged. "I'm afraid not.
This afternoon upset her so. And she's so nervous and queer
that the Professor thinks she shouldn't see nobody."

"The Professor?" he commented. His voice was considerate,
conciliatory. "Now, Mrs. Vance," he said, "I've known Miss
Vera ever since she was a little girl, known her longer than
you have, and, I'm her friend, and you're her friend, and -- "

"I am," protested Mabel Vance tearfully."Indeed I am!"

"I know you are," Winthrop interrupted hastily.