"I can't bear to think of your comfort being dependent on the caprices of Crane, or any one. Come to me, Jane-Ellen. This is no life for you, with your youth and beauty and charm. I could offer you a position that you need never leave, never, unless you wanted to—"
"Please move from the door, sir."
"Not until you've heard me," and he moved toward her as if to take her in his arms.
At some previous period of time, the Revellys, presided over by a less elegant functionary than Smithfield, must have been in the habit of summoning the family to meals by means of a large Japanese gong that now stood neglected in a corner. To this, Jane-Ellen sprang, and beat it with a vigor that made the house resound.
The next instant Crane burst into the room.
"What's the matter?" he exclaimed, and added, fixing his eyes on his lawyer,
"What the deuce are you doing here, Tuck?"
"I," said Tucker, "was giving Jane-Ellen what help I could in setting the table."
"Like hell you were."
"Do you mean you doubt what I say?"