Fannie laid a pale hand on her father's arm. "It wasn't his. He showed carefulness enough; I overruled it. It was his duty to come, Pop; and I had let him neglect duty for me long enough."
The General started. "Why, Fan." But when he looked into her sad eyes his soul melted. She smiled with her face close to his.
"Pop, you never meddled in my affairs before. Don't you reckon I'll manage this one all right."
"Why, yes, Fan. I was only anxious about you because——"
"Never mind your becauses, dear. Just say you'll make it all right with John."
"Go to bed, Fannie; go to bed; John and I will take care of ourselves."
When the General reached his office the next day the forenoon was well advanced. He was still there when at midday John March entered.
"John, howdy? Have a chair."
"Thank you, sir." But the young man continued to stand.
"Oh, take a seat, John; you can get up again if what I say doesn't suit you."