“I think, Laura, that we must make a good deal of allowance for him,” said Robert earnestly. “I have noticed a great change in him lately. I don't think he is himself at all. I must get some medical advice. But I have been up at the Hall this morning.”
“Have you? Have you seen Raffles? Did he send anything for me?”
“He said that he would come down when he had finished his work.”
“But what is the matter, Robert?” cried Laura, with the swift perception of womanhood. “You are flushed, and your eyes are shining, and really you look quite handsome. Raffles has been telling you something! What was it? Oh, I know! He has been telling you how he made his money. Hasn't he, now?”
“Well, yes. He took me partly into his confidence. I congratulate you, Laura, with all my heart, for you will be a very wealthy woman.”
“How strange it seems that he should have come to us in our poverty. It is all owing to you, you dear old Robert; for if he had not taken a fancy to you, he would never have come down to Elmdene and taken a fancy to some one else.”
“Not at all,” Robert answered, sitting down by his sister, and patting her hand affectionately. “It was a clear case of love at first sight. He was in love with you before he ever knew your name. He asked me about you the very first time I saw him.”
“But tell me about his money, Bob,” said his sister. “He has not told me yet, and I am so curious. How did he make it? It was not from his father; he told me that himself. His father was just a country doctor. How did he do it?”
“I am bound over to secrecy. He will tell you himself.”
“Oh, but only tell me if I guess right. He had it left him by an uncle, eh? Well, by a friend? Or he took out some wonderful patent? Or he discovered a mine? Or oil? Do tell me, Robert!”