"Dead?"
"I said so."
The light of understanding came to the city man. "I see," he observed. "He is gone, and you—"
"I beg your pardon, Mr. Sidwell," interrupted the other, "but suppose we change the subject?"
Sidwell colored, then he laughed. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Blair. No offence was intended, I assure you. Mr. Rankin interested me, that was all."
Again Ben said nothing, and the conversation lapsed.
Meanwhile within doors another drama had been taking place. A very discomposed young lady had met Scotty just out of hearing.
"What made you stop Mr. Sidwell, papa?" she asked indignantly. "Why didn't you let him come in?"
"Because I didn't choose to," explained Scotty, bluntly.
"But I wanted him to," she said imperiously. "I don't care to see Ben to-night."