He wished that Mahaffy might have been there to
note the reserve and dignity of his deportment.
"But you must let me order luncheon for you," said Betty. At
least this questionable old man was good to Hannibal.
"I couldn't think of it, ma'am--"
"You'll have a glass of wine, then," urged Betty hospitably. For
the moment she had lost sight of what was clearly the judge's
besetting sin.
The judge paused abruptly. He endured a moment of agonizing
irresolution.
"On the advice of my physician I dare not touch wine--gout,
ma'am, and liver--but this restriction does not apply to corn
whisky--in moderation, and as a tonic--either before meals,
immediately after meals or at any time between meals--always
keeping in mind the idea of its tonic properties--" The judge
seemed to mellow and ripen. This was much better than having the
dogs sicked on you! His manner toward Betty became almost
fatherly. Poor young thing, so lonely and desolate in the midst
of all this splendor--he surreptitiously wiped away a tear, and
when little Steve presented himself and was told to bring whisky,
audibly smacked his lips--a whole lot better, surely!
"I am sorry you think you must hurry away, Judge Price," said
Betty. She still retained the small brown hand Hannibal had
thrust into hers.
"The eastern mail gets in to-day, ma'am, and I have reason to
think my share of it will be especially heavy, for it brings the
bulk of my professional correspondence.
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