“I am positive of it!” he said with suggestive emphasis. “I can help you––more than you realize––and I want to. I––I’ve been sorry for you, little girl, mighty sorry, ever since that story got abroad about––”
“Oh, never mind that!” she interrupted happily. “We are living in the present, you know.”
“True––and in the future. But things haven’t been right for you. And I want to see them straightened out. And you and I can do it, little one. Madam Beaubien hasn’t been treated right, either. And––”
“There!” she laughed, holding up a warning finger. “We’re going to forget that in the good we’re going to do, aren’t we?”
“Yes, that’s so. And you are going to get a square deal. Now, I’ve got a plan to make everything right. I want to see you in the place that belongs to you. I want to see you happy, and surrounded by all that is rightfully yours. And if you will join me, we will bring that all about. I told you this once before, you may remember.”
He stopped and awaited the effect of his words upon the girl.
“But, Mr. Ames,” she replied, her eyes shining with a great hope, “don’t think about me! It’s the people at Avon that I want to help.”
“We’ll help them, you and I. We’ll make things right all round. And Madam Beaubien shall have no further trouble. Nor shall the Express.”
“Oh, Mr. Ames! Do you really mean it? And––Sidney?”
“Sidney shall come home––”