She could make no impression on him. He hugged his newly-gotten treasure tightly, and refused to answer her. All day he sat thus, gloating over it, seeming to care for nothing else.
Was gold once more to usurp dominion over his whole being, as the idol of his aged heart?
Daisy sorrowfully considered what to do, and consulted with Mary. They took care that he should be alone all day, fearing that a report might get about of the money in the house. Old Isaac, generally so drowsy, did not sleep; neither did he show any inclination to eat. But this could not continue. Towards evening they found that he was becoming very heavy; and at length, as he nodded in his easy-chair, the bundle of notes almost slipped from his grasp. Daisy gently took hold of it, and tried to draw it away. But Isaac in a moment was awake, and he struck at her savagely. Daisy narrowly escaped a severe blow.
A few minutes later Mr. Roper came in, and was made acquainted with the state of affairs. "This will never do," he said. "The money will be stolen to a certainty. I think you had better let me have some conversation with your father, Daisy. I will try to make him understand the danger of keeping so large a sum lying about."
"I am afraid it will be of no use," Daisy said sadly. "But do please try."
Mr. Roper went alone to the parlour, and the interview following was a very long one. A less kind and patient man would have given up the attempt in half the time. But Mr. Roper persevered, going over and over the same ground, repeating the same arguments, bearing with the old man's dulness and obstinacy, and at length his efforts met with partial success.
The parlour door opened, and Mr. Roper said, "Daisy!"
Daisy quickly answered the call, and found her father tottering towards the front door.
"Daisy, your father is going to pay his notes into the Bank at once for greater safety. He wishes to do it himself, so I will accompany him. I think he will manage that little distance, with the help of my arm. Where is his great-coat?"
"Oh, thank you!" said Daisy almost breathlessly.