“Miss Warren,” he said, “if by a business call you mean one in the interest of the Planet, I assure you that you are mistaken. I am no longer connected with any paper. I met Captain Warren, under rather unusual circumstances. We discovered that we had mutual friends and mutual interests. He asked me to call on him, and I did so. I did not know, until five minutes ago, that he was your uncle or that you and your brother lived here. I beg you won’t leave the room on my account. I was about to go when you came. Good evening.”
He bowed and stepped toward the hall. Captain Elisha laid a hand on his arm and detained him.
“Just a minute,” he said. “Caroline, I want you and Steve to know that what Mr. Pearson says is exactly true. I ain’t the kind to talk to the newspapers about the private affairs of my relations, and, if I’m any judge of character, Mr. Pearson, knowin’ you as it seems he does, wouldn’t be the kind to listen. That’s all. Now, Jim, if you must go.”
He and his guest were at the door. Caroline and Mrs. Dunn were at the opposite side of the room. Suddenly the girl halted, turned, and, moving across to where her uncle and the young man were standing, once more extended her hand.
“Mr. Pearson,” she said, impulsively, “again I ask your pardon. I should have known. I am very sorry I spoke as I did. Will you forgive me?”
Pearson colored. His embarrassment was more evident than before.
“There is no occasion for apology, Miss Warren,” he said. “I don’t wonder you thought I had come in my former capacity as reporter.”
“Yes, you do. You must have wondered. I am very glad you called to see my—my guardian, and I hope you will continue to do so. Father used to speak so highly of you, and I’m sure he valued your friendship. Stephen and I wish to consider his friends ours. Please believe that you are welcome here at any time.”
Pearson’s reply was brief.
“Thank you, Miss Warren,” he said. “You are very kind. Good evening.”