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."
"The slayer of your dearest friend; of your inseparable companion;
of the one person who stood next to your son in your affections
and regard!"
He put up his hand. The gesture, the way he turned his face aside
showed that she had touched the raw of a wound still unhealed.
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