And Larry
realized that the emotion behind it was a thousand times what showed
in the thin voice of the bent, gestureless figure.
"For your sake I'm sorry, grandmother. But I can't."
"Then it's only fair to tell you, Larry," she said in a more composed
tone which expressed a finality of decision, "that if there's ever
anything I can do to stop this, I'll do it. For she's bad for you--
what with her stiff spirit--and the ideas Old Jimmie has put into
her--and the way Old Jimmie has brought her up. I'll stop things if
I can."
Larry made no reply. The Duchess continued looking at him steadily for
a long space. He knew she was thinking; and he was wondering what was
passing through that shrewd old brain, when she remarked:
"By the way, Larry, I just remembered what you told me of that old
Sing Sing friend--Joe Ellison. Have you heard from him recently?"
"He's out, and he's working where I am."
"Yes? What's he doing?"
"He's working there as a gardener."
Again she was silent a space, her sunken eyes steady With thought.
Then she said:
"From the time he was twenty till he was thirty I knew Joe Ellison
well--better than I've ever told you. He knew your mother when she
was a girl, Larry. I wish you'd ask him to come in to see me. As soon
as he can manage it.
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