"Because I—because I love you."
"I always supposed you loved Baby Dick," said her father, turning away from the piteous, grieved look in her eyes; "but it seems I was mistaken."
"But, daddy, I do! I do love Dick! I love him more'n a million, an'——"
"Good-night, Doris." There was stern finality in Sam's voice, though his eyes were wet.
Elizabeth led the two children away, Doris shaken with sobs and Carroll casting backward glances of troubled awe at his father who continued to look steadily into the fire.
He still sat in his big chair, his face more sober and thoughtful than its wont, when his wife returned.
"I'm afraid Doris will cry herself to sleep to-night," she said doubtfully.
He made no reply.
"You wouldn't like to go up and kiss her good-night, Sam?"