"I got your Uncle Jimmy when he married my mother," laughed Tod, "and I take everything that goes with him—including Uncle John and you—I don't see why I shouldn't have the nice things, too."
"Thank you," she answered, trying to suppress a smile.
Tod grinned.
"I understand you're coming to live with us?" he said.
Paula's face darkened again.
"Am I?" she said frigidly.
"Cooley says so," he went on, "and Jimmy seconded the motion, so I thought I'd come ahead—and sort of break the ice, as it were. I told mother and she said it wasn't a bad idea—for me—and here I am. You are coming, aren't you? It'll be awfully jolly for me. Please say yes—one plunge and it's all over."
Paula was forced to laugh in spite of herself. Then recalling suddenly his attitude at the trial, she demanded:
"Why did you laugh in court when they said my father was a drunkard?"
"Laugh?" he exclaimed. "I couldn't help it. All that Cooley was able to prove was that your father drank a quart of champagne at dinner, now and then. Why, I do that myself—even when I'm out of training! One quart? Why, it's pitiful! I'm laughing yet, but understand, I was laughing for you—not against you."