best answer to that."

Mary thanked him and said she was very well. Her uncles, too, were well,
she added, or they were when she last heard.

"I am on my way home to them now," she added. "For the past two years I
have been at school in Boston. I left there this morning and got off
the train here because I wished very much to see you, Judge Baxter.
Yesterday--last evening--I heard something--I was told something which,
if it is true, is--is--"

She bit her lip. She was evidently fighting desperately not to lose
self-control. The Judge was surprised and disturbed.

"Why, Mary!" he exclaimed. "I suppose I may call you Mary still; as an
old friend I hope I may. What is the matter? What did you hear? What do
you wish to see me about?"

She was calm enough now, but her earnestness was unmistakable.

"I heard something concerning myself and my uncles which surprised and
shocked me dreadfully," she said. "I can hardly believe it, but I must
know whether it is true or not. I must know at once! You can tell me
the truth, Judge Baxter, if you only will. That is why I came here this
morning. Will you tell it to me? Will you promise that you will answer
my questions, every one, with the exact truth and nothing else? And
answer them all? Will you promise that?"

The Judge looked even more surprised and puzzled. He rubbed his chin and
smiled doubtfully.