looked its coldest, had now become settled and hard. His manner
was absolutely repellent as he broke in with the quick disclaimer:

"But there IS no way. What miracle could ever make your daughter,
lovely as she undoubtedly is, a fitting match for my son! None,
madam, absolutely none. Such an alliance would be monstrous;
unnatural."

"Why?" The word came out boldly. If she was intimidated by this
unexpected attack from a man accustomed to deference and
altogether able to exact it, she did not show it. "Because her
father died the death of a criminal?" she asked.

The answer was equally blunt:

"Yes; a criminal over whose trial his father presided as judge."

Was she daunted? No. Quick as a flash came the retort.

"A judge, however, who showed him every consideration possible. I
was told at the time and I have been assured by many since that
you were more than just to him in your rulings. Such a memory
creates a bond of gratitude, not hate. Judge Ostrander"--He had
taken a step towards the hall-door; but he paused at this
utterance of his name--"answer me this one question. Why did you
do this? As his widow, as the mother of his child, I implore you
to tell me why you showed him this leniency? You must have hated
him deeply--"

"Yes. I have never hated any one more."