Part 59 (1/2)

”Mr. Glave, I used to know your father, I believe. We were at college together.” I think I must have shown some feeling in my face, for he added, ”We were very good friends,” and held out his hand. I came away drenched with perspiration; but I felt that I had made a step in the direction of winning Eleanor Leigh, and almost as if I had gained a friend. At least, I liked him, as self-contained as he was, for he looked at times like his daughter.

That evening Miss Leigh observed something unusual in her father's expression, and finally, after waiting a little while for him to disclose what he had on his mind, she could stand it no longer.

”Dad, what is it?” she demanded.

Mr. Leigh gazed at her quizzically.

”Well, I have had a rather strenuous day. In the first place, I got a letter from Henry Glave.” Miss Eleanor's eyes opened.

”From Henry Glave! What in the world is he writing to you about?”

”He has offered me a.s.sistance,” said Mr. Leigh. He took from his pocket a letter, and tossed it across the table to her, observing her with amus.e.m.e.nt as her expression changed. It, possibly, was not the Henry Glave she had had in mind.

As she read, her face brightened. ”Isn't that fine! I thought he would--” She stopped suddenly.

”You wrote to him?” said Mr. Leigh.

”Yes, but I didn't know he would. I only asked his advice--I thought maybe, he possibly might--knowing how he liked you. This will help us out? You will accept his offer, of course?”

Mr. Leigh nodded. ”I am considering it. It was certainly very good in him. Not every man is as grateful these times. My only question is whether I ought to accept his offer.”

”Why not?”

Mr. Leigh did not answer for a moment, he was deep in reflection, reviewing a past in which two older men who bore my name had borne a part, and was trying to look forward into the future. Presently he replied:

”Well, the fact is, I am very hard pressed.”

For answer Eleanor sprang up and ran around to him, and throwing her arm about his neck, kissed him. ”You poor, dear old dad. I knew you were in trouble; but I did not like to urge you till you got ready. Tell me about it.”

Mr. Leigh smiled. It was a patronizing way she had with him which he liked while he was amused by it.

”Yes. I'm--the fact is, I'm pretty near--” He paused and reflected; then began again, ”What would you say if I were to tell you that I am almost at the end of my resources?”

The girl's countenance fell for a second, then brightened again almost immediately.

”I shouldn't mind it a bit, except for you.”

Mr. Leigh heaved a sigh which might have been a sigh of relief.

”You don't know what it means, my dear.”

”Oh! Yes, I do.”

”No-o. It means giving up--everything. Not only all luxuries; but--” He gazed about him at the sumptuous surroundings in his dining-room, ”but all this--everything. Horses, carriages, servants, pictures--everything.

Do you understand?”

”Everything?” Eleanor's voice and look betrayed that she was a little startled.

”Yes,” said her father with a nod and a sigh. ”If I a.s.sign, it would all have to go, and we should have to begin afresh.”