And he left the room abruptly. Behind him there was not a sound.
At home in his study, that evening, he made some more calculations. In a few weeks he would have money enough to start Edith and her family in their new life on the farm. For the present at least, the house was safe.
"Why, father." Edith came into the room. "I didn't know you had come home. What kept you so long at the office?"
"Oh, business, my dear—"
"Have you had any supper?"
"No, and I'd like some," he replied.
"I'll see to it myself," she said. Edith was good at this sort of thing, and the supper she brought was delicious. He ate it with keen relish. Then he went back to his study and picked up a book, an old favorite. He started to read, but presently dozed. The book dropped from his hands and he fell asleep.
He awakened with a start, and saw Deborah looking down at him. For a moment he stared up, as he came to his senses, and in his daughter's clear gray eyes he thought he saw a happiness which set his heart to beating fast.
"Well?" he questioned huskily.