"You can certainly use moral force," he said.
"What do you mean by moral force?" demanded the lawyer.
Mr. Jeffries threw up his hands as if utterly disgusted with the whole business. Almost angrily he answered:
"Moral force is moral force. I mean persuasion, of course. Good God, why can't people understand these things as I do?"
The judge said nothing, but turned to examine some papers on his desk. He hardly liked the inference that he could not see things as plainly as other people, but what was the use of getting irritated? He couldn't afford to quarrel with one of his best clients.
Alicia looked at her husband anxiously. Laying her hand on his arm, she said soothingly:
"Perhaps if I were to see her——"
Mr. Jeffries turned angrily.
"How can you think of such a thing? I can't permit my wife to come in contact with a woman of that character."
Judge Brewster, who was listening in spite of the fact that he was seemingly engrossed in his papers, pursed his lips.