Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/135

 "It's too late."

"We'll order a special if necessary. I'll call my daughter at once."

Larkin rose as if to go.

"Wait," continued the Judge, "I wish you to be present."

He summoned Maggie, sent for Stella, and picked up his mail lying on the centre table, and opened it with fumbling nervous fingers while awaiting his daughter's appearance.

The Carpetbagger smiled contemptuously at his lack of good breeding, and studied the room while the Judge read his letters.

"I see here some friend has written me a warning against the dangers of such a meeting," cried Butler, his beady eyes dancing with excitement. "We must stop it, Larkin, we must stop it!"

Maggie slowly descended the stairs.

"Well, well, where's your mistress?" spluttered the Judge.

"Miss Stella say she busy tryin' on a dress an' she can't come now."

Butler turned on Maggie with sudden fury.

"Go back, you little black imp of the devil, and tell her to come down immediately! Immediately, I say!"

"Yassah! Yassah!" Maggie panted. She turned back up the stairs jumping three steps at