“I suppose you know that your father-in-law——”
“I’ve learned it.”
“Being a public official, he’s had to keep his corporation connections very dark indeed. Perhaps I should have told you. But I knew the secret in a way that made it difficult for me to speak.”
“It didn’t matter,” said Helm, grimly. “I’ve learned in good time.”
Sayler rose. “Your father-in-law telegraphs me that he’ll arrive to-night.”
“Keep him away from my house until eleven to-morrow.”
“You wish to tell your wife first?”
“No. I shall let him tell her. But no one ought to hear agitating news before the middle of the morning—after the day is well started but while there’s still most of the day left for thinking it over.”
Sayler was touched by this evidence of Helm’s minute thoughtfulness for the woman he loved. “Thank you for that suggestion,” said he. “I’ve been letting my secretary tell me all sorts of news at any old time—with disastrous results to my health. My compliments to your wife. I’m hoping to see her before I go back to Washington.”