“No,” Burrell interposed. “We must go home. We ought to have gone long ago. I’m sorry not to have had a chance to talk with your husband about that law case of mine, Mrs. Briggs.”
“I’ll speak to him about it, Mr. Burrell,” said Helen. “Now that Congress is nearly ready to adjourn, he’ll have more time. Is it to come before the New York courts?”
The old man nodded. “Those New York men have infringed on my patents, confound ’em! Mrs. Briggs, there ain’t anybody else I’d trust as I do your husband. He’s been a brick to me ever since I come here. He’s the only one of the big fellows in Congress that’s taken any notice of me, an’ I guess I appreciate it. An’ the girls, they think you’re just perfect.”
“I’m only sorry I couldn’t do more for you, Mr. Burrell,” said Helen, with a smile.
Mrs. Burrell led the way toward the staircase, the others following, with the exception of Carrie Cora.
“Oh, Mrs. Briggs!” the girl exclaimed, impulsively, “I have something to tell you. But I—I mustn’t stay a minute.”
“What is it, dear?”
“He’s come to Washington,” Carrie Cora whispered. “He got here this morning.”
“Why didn’t you bring him to-night?”
“I wanted to,” Carrie Cora replied, breathlessly. “I wanted him to meet you. I’ve told him so much about you, and what a help you’ve been to me. But I was afraid of ma. She was furious when he came to the hotel. He sent his card up, just as bold, and ma didn’t want to let me go down to see him. But I did. And oh, he’s—he’s just as handsome as ever!”