"There isn't any train until nearly four o'clock." Then, noticing her
look of disappointment, he went on to say: "But that shan't make any
difference. I'll send you over in my nephew's automobile. I'm not
sufficiently up-to-date to own one of the cussed--excuse me things, but
he does and I borrow it occasionally. I don't drive it; good heavens,
no! But his man shall drive you over and I'll guarantee you beat the
train. If you don't, it won't be because you go too slow. Now, of
course, you'll stay to dinner."

But Mary shook her head. "You're very kind, Judge," she said, "and I
thank you very much, but--"

"Well, but what?"

"But I--I can't. I--I--Oh, don't you see? I couldn't eat, or even try
to--now. I want to get home--to them."

"And so you shall, my dear. And in double-quick time, too. Here, Jesse,"
opening the door to the outer office and addressing the clerk, "you
step over and tell Samuel that I want to borrow his car and Jim for two
hours. Tell him I want them now. And if his car is busy go to Cahoon's
garage and hire one with a driver. Hurry!"

"And now, Mary," turning to her, "can you tell me any more about your
plans, provided you have had time to make any? If this story about your
uncles' business troubles is true, what do you intend doing? Or don't
you know?"

Mary replied that her plans were very indefinite, as yet.