with them in his official capacity.

"Oh, don't suggest that!" begged Winthrop; "you'll be having me
indicted next. No sir, I am here without any excuse whatsoever.
I am just interfering as a friend of this young lady."

"Good," commented Hallowell. "I'd be sorry to have my niece
array counsel against me -- especially such distinguished
counsel. Sit down, Helen."

Miss Coates balanced herself on the edge of a chair and spoke in
cool, business-like tones, "Mr. Hallowell," she began, "I came."

"Mr. Hallowell?" objected her uncle.

"Uncle Stephen," Miss Coates again began, "I wish to be as brief
as possible. I asked you to see me today because I hoped that by
talking things over we might avoid lawsuits and litigation."

Mr. Hallowell nodded his approval. "Yes," he said encouragingly.

"I have told Mr. Winthrop what the trouble is," Miss Coates went
on, "and he agrees with me that I have been very unjustly
treated -- "

"By whom?" interrupted Hallowell.

"By you," said his niece.

"Wait, Helen," commanded the old man. "Have you also told Mr.