[CHAPTER XIV]
THE FAMILY LAWYER
Lesbia uttered an exclamation when she heard the astonishing remark of her father, and started to her feet. But Mrs. Walker, grimly silent, kept her seat and glared, like Medusa, on the newcomer. If she could have turned him into stone she would willingly have done so, as could be seen from the expression of her hard eyes. Hale, perfectly cool, in spite of the insulting speech which she made, took a chair and looked at her with deliberate insolence. Also deliberately he reverted to her insult.
"I was just passing along to the dining-room," he explained slowly, "when I heard voices and your last question. I entered at once and was not eavesdropping, as you are pleased to say."
"There is no need to excuse yourself," said Mrs. Walker tartly, "for----"
Hale crossed his legs and leaned back. "In my own house I think not."
"For I don't believe a word you say," she finished harshly.
"Naturally you would not," rejoined Mr. Hale smoothly; "you were always a hard and suspicious woman."
Mrs. Walker moved her hands restlessly, and her eyes gleamed fiercer than ever. "You know better than that," she muttered. "Take your mind back thirty years."
"Willingly," said Hale, with great promptness. "Do you wish us to speak of the past in Lesbia's presence?"