The girl shook her head.
"No," she said positively. "There is no other."
"Then I'll hope against hope," he said hoarsely, "and until your suit is settled I promise you not to mention the subject again."
Going to the table he took his hat and gloves. Then coming back to where she was, he held out his hand:
"Good-bye," he said. "I am going now to Albany. It is a trip that I can't put off any longer. I can't stop to explain what the business is, but it is important and concerns your case. Of course, my every movement is watched, and while I am away they may try to take advantage of my absence by annoying you in some way, so you'd better keep in the house. Bolt yourself in and decline to see anyone, no matter who it is. Above all, don't have anything to do with Mr. Chase. Instinctively I distrust that man."
"Do you? I'm sorry for that," she said, shaking her head. With a deep sigh, she added: "I'm beginning to dread being here alone. I think I'll leave this place. I'm not myself at all lately. Come back as soon as you can. Sometimes I think it would be best for me to go to my uncle and put an end to the whole wretched proceedings."
The lawyer shook his head in protest, and, taking his hat and coat, went towards the door.
"No, we're going to win out, Paula," he said decisively. "You'll see. I trusted to ordinary legal procedure, to the equity and justice of the case. Now I'll adopt their tactics and fight them with their own weapons. Cheer up, Paula, we're in sight of victory. Good-bye."
"Good-bye, Mr. Ricaby," she said, holding out her hand. "Don't worry about me—I shall be all right."
"Good-bye, Paula," he said, with a smile. "Wish me a safe return."