"What!" exclaimed Shirley, changing colour, "you believe that John Burkett Ryder is at the bottom of this infamous accusation against father ?" It was the day following her arrival at Massapequa, and Shirley, the judge and Stott were all three sitting on the porch.

Until now, by common consent, any mention of the impeachment proceedings had been avoided by everyone.

The previous afternoon and evening had been spent listening to an account of Shirley's experiences in Europe and a smile had flitted across even the judge's careworn face as his daughter gave a humorous description of the picturesque Paris student with their long hair and peg-top trousers, while Stott simply roared with laughter.

Ah, it was good to laugh again after so much trouble and anxiety! But while Shirley avoided the topic that lay nearest her heart, she was consumed with a desire to tell her father of the hope she had of enlisting the aid of John Burkett Ryder.

The great financier was certainly able to do anything he chose, and had not his son Jefferson promised to win him over to their cause?
So, to-day, after Mrs.Rossmore and her sister had gone down to the village to make some purchases Shirley timidly broached the matter.