Judge Elbridge

rtant case that ever came to him, declared that the life of a man depended upon his meditation; a new point in law was involved, and it would be a crime to sleep until his

ling hard to misunderstand me. You know that I have never deceived you-you know that I would tell you

liam? He ought to know. And

ld up his hand. "No, he must not be told

dear, I d

h till certain points are settled. William, as you know, while one of the best men in the world, has a slippery tongue. And, besides, he is i

you should frown so at Howard, a

The sound of a peddler's gong came from the alley, and he sprang back from the safe and dropped heavily down upon a chair. Florence was heard talking to someone, and Mrs. El

ied about me. Tell them

Mrs. Elbridge looked at her husband and was astonished at the change in him. She could not understand it, but she was not halting to investigate c

primand him. Sir, why do

of affection. "Because, Doctor, I had a most important case on hand; but it is abo

fe gone than the husband began to droop; and the light of the forced smile faded from the countenance of the young woman. She looked at th

I have ever known. She could not sta

not believe

not doubt my eyes. What," he said, getting up with energy and standing in front of Florence, "you are not debating with yourself whether or not to tel

ries for permission to tell How

your

e said, almost savagely. "But, it wa

t wa

be my honor, my strength of character; and you would have me break h

ying him. Have I been a judge all these years, to find that I am now incapable of pro

wer than that. It is noble t

woman, and therefore cannot

ugh to see justice, but they

on could have driven him out. But it is useless to argue. I have knowledge and you have faith.

ant faith may save a soul; k

a saying, though, may be orthodox, and

in things orthodox, why should th

r mind. Look at me. I hold you

a short time something might occur to clear

our soul b

d break it. But I will wait, in the

therance of this humane plan of protection, and then he added: "Yes, wait; we never know, of course. Something might occur. But make me a pro

ake that

f a bewildering eye was not one of his traits; his nature held itself in reserve for a debasing weakness. Agnes asked Florence why everyone seemed to drift unconsciously into that mouldy old office. Florence did not know, but the Judge said that it wa

You can't soil anything in here-never can in a place where men stay." Howard passed the

r. Judge?" said Agnes. "Do you me

tell the t

ll one, though; a little white mouse of a fi

s to a preacher and lies to

judge," Flor

re getting to be so sober I don't know what to do with you. You and the Judge are just alike. What's the matter with everybody? Mr. Howard mumbles about