"I could have done so years ago. But I find that I made a big mistake in going into partnership with Caleb Allen. While many are willing to help me individually, they do not trust Allen, and therefore will not now assist me."
"Is Mr. Allen, then, such a bad man?"
"I don't know how bad he is. He is in with Hardwick, so Carson says, and Hardwick is a villain."
At the mention of the ex-book-keeper's name, Laura drew herself up.
"I never liked him, papa, and I am glad to find that you have discovered his true character."
Horace Sumner looked in surprise at his daughter.
"Why, pet, I do not understand you."
"Then let me tell you something. For the past two months Mr. Hardwick has been paying his addresses to me, and—"
"Laura!"
"Yes, it's so. I did not mention it to you, because I did not wish to humiliate him. I told him there was no hope for him, and asked him to drop the matter."