Part 31 (1/2)

It was while she was carrying out this instruction that a shadow appeared on the doorsill, followed in a moment by the figure of Shad Wells. Beth's ”Ah” ceased suddenly. The visitor stood outside, his hands on his hips, in silent rage.

Peter merely glanced at him over his shoulder.

”How are you, Wells?” he said politely. ”Won't you come in? We've having a singing lesson.”

Shad did not move or speak as Peter went on, ”Take the chair by the door, old man. The cigarettes are on the table. Now, Beth----”

But Beth remained as she was, uneasily regarding the intruder, for she knew that Shad was there for no good purpose. Peter caught her look and turned toward the door, deliberately ignoring the man's threatening demeanor.

”We won't be long,” he began coolly, ”not over half an hour----”

”No, I know ye won't,” growled Shad. And then to the girl, ”Beth, come out o' there!”

If Shad's appearance had caused Beth any uncertainty, she found her spirit now, for her eyes flashed and her mouth closed in a hard line.

”Who are you to say where I come or go?” she said evenly.

But Shad stood his ground.

”If you don't know enough to know what's what I'm here to show you.”

”Oh, I say----,” said Peter coolly.

”You can say what you like, Mister. And I've got somethin' to say to you when this lady goes.”

”Oh,----” and then quietly to Beth, ”Perhaps you'd better go. Bring the books to-morrow--at the same time.”

But Beth hadn't moved, and only looked at Peter appealingly. So Peter spoke.

”This man is impolite, not to say disagreeable to you. Has he any right to speak to you like this?”

”No,” said Beth uneasily, ”but I don't want any trouble.”

Peter walked to the door and faced Shad outside.

”There won't be any trouble unless Wells makes it.” And then, as if a new thought had come to him, he said more cheerfully, ”Perhaps he doesn't quite understand----”

”Oh, I understand, all right. Are you goin', Beth?”

She glanced at Peter, who nodded toward the path, and she came between them.

”Go on back, Shad,” she said.

”No.”

”Do you mean it? If you do I'm through with you. You understand?”

Peter took the girl by the arm and led her gently away.

”Just wait a minute, Wells,” he flung over his shoulder at the man, ”I'll be back in a second.”