CHAPTER XVII.
DICK AT THE STANHOPE COTTAGE.
"The villain!"
Such were the words which sprang involuntarily to Dick's lips as he gazed at the scene before him. He was filled with bitter indignation and could hardly resist the temptation to break in the window and leap to Dora's assistance.
As he paused, he saw Dora push Crabtree back and leap to the opposite side of the center table.
"Don't you dare to touch me, Mr. Crabtree!" came loud enough for Dick to hear quite plainly.
"I want you to behave yourself, young lady," stormed Josiah Crabtree.
"I know how to do that without your advice."
"No, you don't. You have set your mother against me. If it hadn't been for you, we would be married long ago."
"I believe a daughter has a right to advise her mother concerning a stranger, Mr. Crabtree."
"A stranger!"
"Well, an outsider—if you like that better."
"I am no outsider. I've known your mother
