"And worried, I'm afraid," she added tenderly.
"A little that way, too, perhaps. But one must hope that there's a good time coming, my dear."
The girl hesitated before she returned: "I want to say something, and it's difficult. I've wanted to say it for a long time." She paused.
"Say on," he said. "A horrid bill—eh?" He knew it was not. Doris had never asked him for money beyond her big allowance.
"Don't! It's just this: Is there anything in the world I could do, father, just to make it a little easier for you?"
It was unexpected, and yet it was like Doris. Tears came into his eyes.
"Forgive me," she went on quickly, "but sometimes I can't bear to see you suffering. I'd give up anything—"
Mrs. Lancaster entered quickly.
"Robert, Mr. Bullard is in the library—"
"Bullard!—now?"