"Better than a daughter, eh?" As Grimsby asked the question he noted that Mrs. Hampton gave a slight start, and it pleased him. "A girl wouldn't be much use on a farm such as this," he continued. "I suppose he's doing something with that coal mine, too."
"It's the mine that took him to the city. The prospects are very encouraging, so I am anxious to hear how he has made out."
"A daughter, then, wouldn't be able to carry on such work, would she, madame?"
"I suppose not," was the somewhat slow reply. "But why do you ask?
Why do you mention a daughter to me?"
"Why shouldn't I? You have a daughter, haven't you?"
At these words Mrs. Hampton's face turned white. She rose to her feet, her whole body trembling, and confronted Grimsby.
"What do you mean?" she gasped. "Why do you ask whether I have a daughter?"
"It's true, though, isn't it? There, now, don't get so worked up. You seem to take my simple question very much to heart."
With her hand pressing her side, Mrs. Hampton stood staring upon the placid man before her. What does he know? she asked herself. Why did he mention a daughter to me?
"I see I am not far astray, madame. You have a daughter, and it is concerning her that I am here."