She had risen and had come close to him, her eyes filled with burning tears. Horace felt his throat tighten: for any emotion in this girl affected him strangely.
"Oh, no! You won't go away from home—at least, not at night; only for a few hours in the daytime. I'm awfully anxious that you should learn, Flea."
She came even closer as she said:
"I'll do anything you want me to—'cause ye be the best ole duffer in New York State!" Then she whirled and fled from the room.
Ann Shellington rang the Vandecar doorbell, and a few minutes later was ushered upstairs. Mrs. Vandecar was in a negligée gown, and Katherine was brushing the invalid's hair.
"Pardon me, Ann dear," said Mrs. Vandecar, "for receiving you in this way; but I'm ill today."
"I'm so sorry! It's I who ought to ask pardon for coming. But I knew that no one could aid me except you in the particular thing I am interested in."
"I shall be glad to help you, if I can, Ann.... There, Katherine, just roll my hair up. Thank you, Girly."
Ann had seated herself, and now spoke of her errand: