"I see now why I always mistrusted him," he said bitterly. "But I never hated him, Paula. If he is the man I take him to be, he'll insist on my showing up this rotten system which is a blight on our fair land." Going to the door, he called out:
"Mr. Chase!"
The young man reëntered, his face wreathed in smiles.
"My machine is outside," he said cheerily, "the chauffeur has fixed it all right. Paula, it is all settled! You are coming home with us, with mother and—me!"
"Going home?—yes," she replied tenderly.
Mr. Ricaby, making an effort to control his feelings, pretended to be busy with some papers at the desk. Turning to Tod, he said:
"I will at once see about getting Miss Marsh's certificate of discharge from this place. Talk to her while I am gone. She's worrying because you are involved in this matter." With a sigh he added: "If she only thought of me as much as she does of you——"
He shook his head sadly and left the office. Tod turned to his companion.
"Paula," he said tenderly, "there is something I've wanted for a long time to tell you——"
"No—not here," she smiled.