“'Lo, Gay; 'lo, Miss Henrietta,” he greeted them. “How's things?”
“Fine,” Henrietta answered for them both. “And, oh, Bruce! You're a lawyer, you can tell us what to do. About Lem, Miss Redding's nephew—you know about him?”
“Mostly. I was in dad's court when he held old Harve.”
“Well, then—” said Henrietta and hesitated momentarily. “Listen, Bruce, I know something about it. May I tell you? I can tell a lawyer, in confidence, can't I?”
“You can tell this lawyer in confidence,” said Bruce. “I 'll take Lem's case if you want me to—free of charge—if that is it.”
“Then—you don't mind if I whisper to him, Gay?”
“Don't mind me,” said Gay, laughing. Henrietta drew Carter Bruce to the far end of the porch.
“I don't know anything about Lem,” she said hurriedly. “Nothing special. I just wanted to speak to you about Gay. Freeman Todder is making love to her; you know that. And I know it is not right. He is not to be trusted, Carter. You like Gay, don't you? You'll do something to save her, won't you?”
“What can I do?” he asked. “She likes him best. She don't care a hang for me.”
“She does! Make love to her, Carter,” urged Henrietta. “Make her love you; be—be strenuous about it; make strong love to her. She's the age when she craves it, and I know she will listen to you. You must; I know Freeman so well! I know he is bad for her, utterly bad.” Carter was red with embarrassment.