“I don’t want any luncheon,” Fanchon called to her without opening the door. “Say that I’ve got a headache.”
She heard Miranda retreating heavily; then she slipped on her riding-habit, found her hat, and, opening the door softly, stole down-stairs. She could hear Mrs. Carter talking to Daniel in a hesitating voice, and she heard Leigh answer something. She did not want them to talk to her. She could not bear it. She opened the door gently, slipped out, and started almost at a run for the livery-stable where she knew William had hired the horses.
Mr. Carter had lunched down-town. He did so when he was very busy, and he was on his way back to his office when he encountered Judge Jessup. The judge halted him and shook hands.
“Dan’s won the case!” he said with elation. “Why weren’t you in court to hear your son plead, Carter?”
Mr. Carter reddened a little. He had been thinking of William and William’s wife, and this was a keen relief. He relaxed.
“I was busy. How did the boy get on, judge?”
The judge clapped his big hand on his old friend’s shoulder.
“Carter, he’s going to be a great lawyer! I’m as proud of him as if I’d hatched him myself.”
“Poor Dan!” Mr. Carter’s face softened while his eyes smiled. “He ought to have something to make up—I hate to see him so lame!”
“Nonsense! It doesn’t hurt his brains, man!” Jessup exclaimed hotly. “He only limps a little. He’s the smartest boy you have, Carter.”