Page:The unhallowed harvest (1917).djvu/134

Rh Jerusalem," retorted Mrs. Tracy, "if you keep on consorting with the lower classes here."

Then Judge and Mrs. Bosworth came, closely followed by Barry and Miss Chichester; and Mr. Tracy, having finally gotten into his evening coat, joined the group in the library.

Every one was cordial to the rector, and more than cordial to the rector's wife. The party bade fair to be all that Mrs. Tracy and Ruth had hoped for it. No untoward event occurred, and no unfortunate remark was made, until the dinner had been more than half served. Then it was Barry Malleson who blundered, as it might have been expected that he would, into what should have been forbidden ground.

He turned to Judge Bosworth, who was sitting diagonally across the table from him and said:

"This is the first opportunity I have had, Judge, to compliment you on the masterly way in which you wound up that Bradley case against us. As vice-president of the Malleson Manufacturing Company I feel personally grateful to you. You will kindly accept my thanks."

The judge's face flushed with the annoyance he felt.

"You owe me nothing," he said, "not even thanks. The law in such cases is well settled. There was no chance for me to do otherwise than as I did."

"Judge," replied Barry, "you are too modest. It was your genius in applying the law so that it should serve the best interests of society that led to the judgment in our favor. The Malleson Manufacturing Company, as the great industrial plant of this city, paying out thousands of dollars weekly in wages, must not be subject to attack by any common laborer who happens to get hurt while in our employ. The lesson which the court has taught to that class of people will doubtless prove to be a most salutary one."

Then Barry, with a sense of duty well performed, resumed activity with his fork. But Judge Bosworth's