conciliatory than his own. "You cannot give it to me," she
answered, "because it is not yours to give." As though to add
impressiveness to what she was about to say, or to prevent his
interrupting her, she raised her hand. So interested in each
other were the old man and the girl that neither noticed the
appearance in the door of Dr. Rainey and the butler, who halted,
hesitating, waiting permission to enter.

"That money belongs to me," said Miss Coates slowly, "and as
sure as my mother is in Heaven and her spirit is guiding me,
that money will be given me."

In the pause that followed, a swift and singular change came
over the face of Mr. Hallowell. He stared at his niece as though
fascinated. His lower lip dropped in awe. The look of hostility
gave way to one of intense interest. His voice was hardly louder
than a whisper.

"What do you mean?" he demanded.

The girl looked at him, uncomprehending. "What do I mean?" she
repeated.

"When you said," he stammered eagerly, "that the spirit of your
mother was guiding you, what did you mean?"

In the doorway, Rainey and the butler started. Each threw the
other a quick glance of concern.

"Why," exclaimed the girl impatiently, "her influence, her