“Good night, Helen.”
CHAPTER XLI.
MR. SHARP MAKES AN IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION.
Helen was engaged in rinsing up the breakfast dishes, thinking busily meantime what could be done for Herbert, when a gentle tap called her to the door. Wondering a little at so early a call, she looked up to meet the smiling face of Mr. Sharp.
“Good morning, Mr. Sharp,” she said, politely. “Won’t you come in and see papa?”
“Thank you, my dear Miss Ford; at the risk of interrupting your respected father in his valuable scientific labors I will yet do so. I am quite aware that I have called at an unseasonable hour. I should not have ventured to do it, but that I am summoned hither by business of an important character—business, which I may venture to hope, will make me welcome.”
“You are welcome, sir; we are always glad to see one who has shown himself a friend.”
“Thank you, my dear Miss Ford. Such a testimony is most grateful to my feelings, the more so that I feel, so far as my intentions are concerned, it is not wholly undeserved.”
“Papa, Mr. Sharp is here,” said Helen, going up to her father, and laying her hand lightly upon his shoulder.
Rousing at the touch, Mr. Ford advanced and welcomed the lawyer cordially.
“I was just apologizing to your charming daughter for calling so early,” said Mr. Sharp.