He found Deborah standing guard over an ill-conditioned fellow
whose slouching figure slouched still more under his eye, but gave
no other acknowledgment of his presence. Passing him without a
second look, Judge Ostrander entered the parlour where he found no
less a person than Mr. Black awaiting him.
There was no bad blood between these two whatever their past
relations or present suspicions, and they were soon shaking hands
with every appearance of mutual cordiality.
The judge was especially courteous.
"I am glad," said he, "of any occasion which brings you again
under my roof, though from the appearance of your companion I
judge the present one to be of no very agreeable character."
"He's honest enough," muttered Black, with a glance towards
Deborah, for the understanding of which the judge held no key.
Then, changing the subject, "You had a very unfortunate experience
this afternoon. Allow me to express my regret at an outbreak so
totally unwarranted."
A grumble came from the hall without. Evidently his charge, if we
may so designate the fellow he had brought there, had his own
ideas on this subject.
"Quiet out there!" shouted Mr. Black. "Mrs. Scoville, you need not
trouble yourself to stand over Mr. Flannagan any longer. I'll look
after him."
She bowed and was turning away when the judge intervened.
"Is there any objection," he asked, "to Mrs. Scoville's remaining
present at this interview?"
"None whatever," answered the lawyer.
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