“You, Mr. Coleman! Oh, no, I could not think of troubling you.”
“Indeed, it will be no trouble.”
“If it were for only one evening. But every evening, it would be too much.”
“On the contrary, it will be pleasant for me. I am in my room nearly all day, hard at work. In the evening I cannot work, for painting requires sunlight. So I shall only be taking the exercise I need, and coming for you will give me an object which will insure my taking the exercise I require. You see, therefore, that it is a selfish arrangement on my part.”
“I see that you are very kind,” said Helen, gratefully. “I wish there were any way in which I could repay you.”
“I have a young sister at home, about your age. If she were situated as you are, I should want somebody to be kind to her. Let me look upon you as my sister.”
“I shall be very glad to have you,” said Helen, her confidence completely won.
“Then, of course, I shall not call you Miss Ford any longer.”
“Why not?”
“Because that would be too formal between brother and sister. I must call you Helen.”