AN INTRUDER
On the night following Stuart worked late in his office, developing his great case. He was disappointed in the final showing of the evidence to be presented to the Grand Jury. His facts were not as strong as he expected to make them.
At ten o'clock he quit work and hurried home to refresh his tired spirit with Harriet's music. He could think more clearly while she played for him.
As he hurried up the steps he suddenly collided with a handsome young fellow just emerging from the door.
His first hope was that he had crippled a lodger. He hated the sight and sound of them. He had always felt their presence in the house an unpardonable intrusion. A second look showed him that the youngster who had hurried down the steps with profound apologies and much embarrassment was not a lodger. He was dressed too handsomely and he had evidently been calling on some one.
Perhaps on Harriet!
A sudden fear gripped his heart. He felt like following him to the corner and demanding his reasons for such impudence.
Where had he seen that boy's face?
Somewhere, beyond a doubt. But he couldn't place him.
He let himself in softly and started at the sight of Harriet's smiling face framed in the parlor doorway. His worst fears were confirmed. She was dressed in a dainty evening gown and had evidently enjoyed her visitor.