Part 29 (2/2)

”If you don't mind,” he ordered, severely, ”we won't discuss that question.”

Margaret, anxious to prevent further repartee on the subject, went up-stairs, calling back, ”When Mrs. Jones comes down, will you tell her I will be back in five minutes?”

When she had disappeared Townsend ordered Peters to get up a special supper for four, suggesting that the champagne he had brought with him, and which was in the basket on the floor, be put on ice. Peters disappeared to do his duty, but Townsend followed close behind him, desirous of directing the spreading of a good wedding supper for Mrs.

Townsend, Mrs. Jones, and Millie.

He had been gone but a few minutes when Mrs. Jones came down the stairs.

She looked around, expecting to find Margaret Davis awaiting her. Not seeing her, she returned to the floor above, when Mr. and Mrs. Harper came bursting in.

”How do you do? Don't you remember us?” Harper called out, as he held forth a welcoming hand.

”Surely!” cried Mrs. Jones. She came quickly down the stairs and shook hands with Harper, kissing his pretty wife.

”We just brought your husband and a friend of his over from Reno,” said Harper.

”Oh, where are they?” Mrs. Jones asked, excitedly. She had been waiting all afternoon for Bill and was beginning to fear lest he had decided not to return home.

”Oh, Bill's out there telling his experiences as a lawyer,” Harper laughed, and Mrs. Jones joined him, happy to know that Bill was back, the same lovable old boaster as before.

Margaret Townsend, hearing the voices, hurried to join the group, throwing her arms wildly around Mrs. Jones's neck and giggling like a school-girl.

”Who do you think drove me over?” she asked Mrs. Jones, answering herself. ”Judge Townsend.”

”My, but that was romantic!” exclaimed Mrs. Jones.

”Why, what do you know about it?” Margaret simpered, putting Mrs. Jones from her and looking into her eyes.

The dining-room door opened and Townsend burst in, going to his wife and exercising his new proprietors.h.i.+p by putting his arm about her. She drew away, blus.h.i.+ng, and hastened to introduce the Harpers.

Townsend acknowledged the introduction; then he turned to Mrs. Jones.

”I'm very glad to see you under more pleasant circ.u.mstances, mother,” he said.

”Thank you, Lem!” she answered, tears gathering in her eyes. ”Oh, what a mean fool I was! But, Lem, I 'ain't heard a word yet about how that fine young man made out--I'm just dyin' to know if John Marvin won his case!”

”Oh, you really haven't heard?” exclaimed Margaret. ”I should say he certainly did win his case, my dear!”

”Thomas and Hammond were lucky to keep out of jail,” said Townsend.

”They gave up this place without a murmur.”

”What?” Mrs. Jones gasped.

”Surely you know that the place is yours again?” Harper asked, while they all nodded eager confirmation.

”Ours again?” Mrs. Jones repeated, excitedly.

”Absolutely, my dear!” Margaret hastened to explain. ”And the judge and I were married this afternoon!” Irrespective of Mrs. Jones's bewildered gasp, Margaret rushed on: ”And, mother, you are to get all the money the railroad pays for the waterfall, and it's an awful lot! The Golden Gate Land Company is a fake concern! To keep out of jail, where they belong, those two sharpers are making rest.i.tution at once to Mr. Marvin and to everybody else they can! And now you're going to have supper with us, mother! Mr. and Mrs. Harper are going to join us--and you, too, Millie dear,” she added, turning to the girl, who had joined the group and stood there listening, her cheeks flushed with a conflict of emotions.

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