Mrs. Owen removed her hat and tossed it on a little stand, as though
hats were a nuisance in this world and not worthy of serious
consideration. She continued her observation of Dan, who was applying a
blotter to his signature.
"I'll have to take this to my office to affix the seal. I'm to give it
to Mr. Wright in the morning for recording."
"Where is your office, Mr. Harwood?" she asked flatly.
"Boordman Building," answered Dan, surprised to find himself
uncomfortable under her direct, penetrating gaze.
"Humph! So you're Morton Bassett's young man who was written up in the
'Advertiser.'"
"Mr. Bassett has given me a chance to read law in his office. He's a
prominent man and the 'Advertiser' chose to put its own interpretation
on his kindness to me. That's all," answered Dan with dignity.
"Sit still a minute. I forget sometimes that all the folks around here
don't know me. I didn't mean to be inquisitive, or disagreeable; I was
just looking for information. I took notice of that 'Advertiser's' piece
because Mr. Bassett married my niece, so I'm naturally interested in
what he does."
"Yes, Mrs. Owen, I understand."
Dan had heard a good deal about Mrs. Sally Owen, in one way or another,
and persuaded now, by her change of tone, that she had no intention of
pillorying him for Bassett's misdeeds, he began to enjoy his unexpected
colloquy with her.
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