clear-eyed and handsome, walked into the room and came straight to the little group in the corner. Bobby tried
to carry it off.
"'Lo, Hartley, old preacher. You fellows all know Hartley Graham? Sit down. We're going to have a little
cocktail."
Graham looked at the glasses, shaking his head.
"If you've time, Bobby, I'd like a word with you."
"No preaching," Bobby bargained. "It isn't Sunday."
Graham laughed pleasantly.
"It's about money. That talks any day."
Bobby edged a way out and followed Graham to an unoccupied room. There the big man turned on him.
"See here, Bobby! When are you going out to the Cedars?"
Bobby flushed.
"You're a dear friend, Hartley, and I've always loved you, but I'm in no mood for preaching tonight. Besides,
I've got my own life to lead"--he glanced away--"my own reasons for leading it."
"I'm not going to preach," Graham answered seriously, "although it's obvious you're raising the devil with
your life. I wanted to tell you that I've had a note from Katherine to-day. She says your grandfather's threats
are taking too much form; that the new will's bound to come unless you do something. She cares too much for
you, Bobby, to see you throw everything away. She's asked me to persuade you to go out."
"Why didn't she write to me?"
"Have you been very friendly with Katherine lately? And that's not fair. You're both without parents. You owe
Katherine something on that account."
Bobby didn't answer, because it was clear that while Katherine's affection for him had weakened, her
friendship for Graham had grown too fast. Looking at the other he didn't wonder.
"There's another thing," Graham was saying. "The gloomy old Cedars has got on Katherine's nerves, and she
says there's been a change in the old man the last few days--wanders around as if he were afraid of
something."
Bobby laughed outright.
"Him afraid of something! It's always been his system to make everybody and everything afraid of him. But
you're right about Katherine. We have always depended on each other. I think I'll go out after dinner."
"Then come have a bite with me," Graham urged. "I'll see you off afterward. If you catch the eight-thirty you
ought to be out there before half-past ten."
Bobby shook his head.