"Then how can I explain it?" demanded the lawyer. "They knew that I was trying to raise money." Turning to Paula, he added: "They know of your engagement to young Parkes."
"There is no engagement," interrupted Paula quietly.
Mr. Ricaby looked searchingly at her as if trying to read what was in her thoughts. Then he went on:
"They know of your intention to fight your uncle's guardianship to the bitter end. They know your nervous condition. They know everything—even the fact that Dr. Zacharie comes here."
"I'm not surprised at that," exclaimed Paula. "I believe he was sent here by my uncle purposely to annoy and frighten me. He came here again to-day, but I got rid of him. I don't think he will come again so soon."
The lawyer grew thoughtful, then suddenly, as if a new idea had suddenly flashed into his mind he exclaimed:
"Ah! he did, eh? I don't like that man coming here so often. There is something in the wind. I don't know what. I intended to warn you."
He stopped for a moment, and then, looking at Tod, he said apologetically:
"The fact is, we hardly know friend from foe. I may be doing Mr. Chase a serious injustice. If so, I beg his pardon. We are fighting in the dark. We're fighting men without conscience or principle. We can't trust anyone. We dare not."
Paula turned to Tod.