In a cottage around the corner from the grocery store two men and a
woman were finishing a dainty luncheon. The woman was dressed in cool,
white garments, and she seemed to make the day one of perfect comfort.
The home of the Honorable Mr. Hall was by no means the costliest in the
town, but his wife made it the most attractive. He was one of the
leading lawyers of the county, and a man of culture and progressive
views. He was entertaining a friend who had lectured the night before
in the Congregational church.
They were by no means in serious discussion. The talk was rather
frivolous. Hall had the ability to caricature men with a few gestures
and attitudes, and was giving to his Eastern friend some descriptions of
the old-fashioned Western lawyers he had met in his practice. He was
very amusing, and his guest laughed heartily for a time.
But suddenly Hall became aware that Otis was not listening. Then he
perceived that he was peering out of the window at some one, and that on
his face a look of bitter sadness was falling.