"Oh, Bill's out there telling his experiences as a lawyer," Harper laughed, and Mrs. Jones joined him, happy to know that Bill was back, the same lovable old boaster as before.
Margaret Townsend, hearing the voices, hurried to join the group, throwing her arms wildly around Mrs. Jones's neck and giggling like a school-girl.
"Who do you think drove me over?" she asked Mrs. Jones, answering herself. "Judge Townsend."
"My, but that was romantic!" exclaimed Mrs. Jones.
"Why, what do you know about it?" Margaret simpered, putting Mrs. Jones from her and looking into her eyes.
The dining-room door opened and Townsend burst in, going to his wife and exercising his new proprietorship by putting his arm about her. She drew away, blushing, and hastened to introduce the Harpers.
Townsend acknowledged the introduction; then he turned to Mrs. Jones. "I'm very glad to see you under more pleasant circumstances, mother," he said.
"Thank you, Lem!" she answered, tears gathering in her eyes. "Oh, what a mean fool I was! But, Lem, I 'ain't heard a word yet about how that fine young man made out—I'm just dyin' to know if John Marvin won his case!"
"Oh, you really haven't heard?" exclaimed Margaret. "I should say he certainly did win his case, my dear!"
"Thomas and Hammond were lucky to keep out of jail," said Townsend. "They gave up this place without a murmur."