Mrs. Saunders came into the room at that moment and the two men were introduced by the excited Mary Lee who made a haven of that good woman's kindly arms. Mrs. Saunders was a devoted, indulgent mother. She had developed a great affection for the motherless Mary Lee. She was also a woman of quick and unusually good judgment. She liked the looks of these two men, which fact was not at all strange for they both showed in open countenance, the honesty and cleanliness of outdoor and right living.
Mrs. Saunders made them feel thoroughly at home. She knew the story of Mary Lee and so understood who Jim Lee was. She very naturally realized how delighted the girl must feel at Jim Lee's coming.
For two hours they sat and talked over things, bringing up to the present moment the important events in Mary Lee's life as well as those of interest in Jim Lee's.
The two men then departed, promising to come again. Without Mary Lee's knowledge, they had arranged with Mrs. Saunders for a meeting with Mr. Saunders the following morning. That gentleman had not returned home up to the moment they were leaving.
CHAPTER XV
Mary Lee's Legacy
"You see, Mr. Saunders, it isn't a question of our wanting any money," said Tom Marshall. "Mr. Lee is anxious to make safe provision for Mary Lee out of the net proceeds of his share of the mine. As for my share, I can wait until such time as the buyers are ready to turn over the proceeds."
"The ore is there, all right, but the mine needs capital." Jim Lee was now speaking. "We want to turn it over to the right hands, that is all. That will benefit us most."
Mr. Saunders was a banker. As a business proposition, he was keenly interested. He very naturally took some precautions, asked many questions, but he seemed fairly well convinced at the end.
"I shall be able to arrange a meeting for you and probably find a way that will be best for all concerned, if you will both call again this afternoon."