"One word more, Mr. North," said the elder gentleman, a little
portentously, to conceal an evident embarrassment. "It may be that
your conduct might suggest to minds more practical than your own
the existence of some aberration of the intellect--some temporary
mania--that might force your best friends into a quasi-legal
attitude of--"

"Declaring me insane," interrupted James North, with the slight
impatience of a man more anxious to end a prolix interview than to
combat an argument. "I think differently. As my aunt's lawyer,
you know that within the last year I have deeded most of my
property to her and her family. I cannot believe that so shrewd an
adviser as Mr. Edmund Carter would ever permit proceedings that
would invalidate that conveyance."

Maria burst into a laugh of such wicked gratification that James
North, for the first time, raised his eyes with something of
interest to her face. She colored under them, but returned his
glance with another like a bayonet flash. The party slowly moved
toward the door, James North following.

"Then this is your final answer?" asked Mrs. North, stopping
imperiously on the threshold.

"I beg your pardon?" queried North, half abstractedly.

"Your final answer?"

"Oh, certainly."