“The possession of this estate is the fulfillment of one of the proudest ambitions of my life.”
“When will you get out?”
“And my daughter has just returned to-day from Washington, a beautiful accomplished woman, to preside over it.”
“When—will—you—get—out?”
“When ordered by the Supreme Court of the United States—or when I’m carried out—feet—foremost—through—that—door!”
The Judge choked with anger.
“Then, until we meet again!”
John bowed with mock courtesy, walked across the hall to the alcove and took his hat from the rack where Aunt Julie Ann had hung it, just as Stella Butler sprang through the rear entrance with a joyous shout, reached at a bound the Judge’s side and threw her arms around his neck.
“Oh! Papa, what a glorious night! Steve and I had such a ride!” The Judge placed his hand on her lips and whispered:
“My dear, there’s someone here.”