“You are very kind to say so,” said Mr. Sharp, with an effusion of feeling. “Yet I cannot help feeling that you judge me too favorably. Indeed, were it not that I have a revelation of some importance to make to you, I should scarcely venture to accept your invitation.”
“Be seated, Mr. Sharp,” said Mr. Ford, somewhat surprised at the lawyer’s words; “I shall, of course, feel interested in anything you may have to impart. Helen, my dear, you will not be gone long?”
“No, papa.”
She closed the door, and descended the stairs, with her market-basket on her arm.
CHAPTER XXVII.
HELEN’S BANQUET.
When Helen had departed on her errand, Mr. Sharp commenced,—
“You will pardon me,” he said, “if, in the preliminary inquiries I may have to make, there may be anything of a nature to harrow up your feelings, or recall painful scenes.”
Mr. Ford looked surprised.
“May I inquire if you have a father living?”
A painful shadow flitted over the face of Mr. Ford. He answered, presently,—