If I welcomed her to my house it would make me the laughing-stock of all my friends and business associates.

Come, will you join forces with me ?" Shirley shook her head and was about to reply when the telephone bell rang.

Ryder took up the receiver and spoke to the butler downstairs: "Who's that?
Judge Stott?
Tell him I'm too busy to see anyone.
What's that?
A man's life at stake?
What's that to do with me?
Tell him--" On hearing Stott's name, Shirley nearly betrayed herself.

She turned pale and half-started up from her chair.

Something serious must have happened to bring her father's legal adviser to the Ryder residence at such an hour! She thought he was in Washington.
Could it be that the proceedings in the Senate were ended and the result known?
She could hardly conceal her anxiety, and instinctively she placed her hand on Ryder's arm.
"No, Mr.Ryder, do see Judge Stott! You must see him.