mind leaped to the conviction that because Miss Pembroke had denounced him, she was in all probability in love with him. And then I sternly inquired of myself how it could possibly matter to me if she were. [Pg 40] [Pg 40] But this stern and questioning attitude of myself to myself did not deceive me in the least. I knew perfectly well that I was already sufficiently interested in Janet Pembroke to resent the introduction of such a dangerous factor as Graham Leroy into the case. Being a lawyer, the absurdity of my own mental attitude was perfectly clear to me, but being a man, I didn't care if it was. Of course, my sentiments toward her were nothing more than admiration for her beauty and sympathy for her sorrow. If these were augmented by the elusive mystery that seemed to enwrap her, that was an argument in justification of my sudden interest in a comparative stranger. "Will you, Otis?" Laura was saying, and I collected my scattered wits with a start, as I said, "will I what?" "Will you telephone to Mr. Leroy?" she said, a little impatiently, and I knew she was repeating her question. "Of course," I said, jumping up and looking for the telephone book. "His number is on the card by the telephone," said Miss Pembroke, and in a few moments I had Leroy's call. But he was not in his office, so leaving word for him to come as soon as possible, I hung up the receiver. [Pg 41] [Pg 41] IV DOCTOR POST'S DISCOVERY A few moments after this, Mr. George Lawrence arrived. He let himself in at the front door with a latch-key, and walked into the room with the air of one familiar with the place. "Well, Janet, what's up?" he began, and then, seeing strangers, paused expectantly. "Mrs. Mulford," said Janet, "this is my cousin, Mr. Lawrence. Mr. Landon, Mr. Lawrence." The new-comer bowed politely and with the graceful courtesy of a well-bred city man, then turned again to his cousin.
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