Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/148

 "Yes, yes, dear, I'll come, presently," said the Judge with evident dread.

Stella slipped her beautiful bare arm around his neck and her cheek rested against his, while the soft little fingers found his hand.

"I'm awfully sorry I was so ugly to-day," she said gently. "But I couldn't help it. I didn't know I had such a temper. I must have gotten it from you Dad."

"It's all right, my darling, if you'll never say such bitter things to me again—will you?" he asked tenderly, tears filling his eyes.

"No, I'll be good now, if you'll forgive me?"

Her father answered with a kiss. "You see, you're all I have in the world, my little girlie. I'm not as strong as I used to be. I don't think I'm going to live long."

"Rubbish! you've just got the blues. Shake them off and be young again to-night. Imagine you are a boy here with mother the sweetheart you're trying to steal from the proud rich people who hate you—come, come!"

The Judge smiled in spite of himself. Her mood was contagious. He stroked her hand gently.

"I'll be down right away. Run on and have a good time."

"All right, I'll start the first dance and you'll be