“There is no occasion for that,” said Mr. Ford, courteously. “We don’t stand on ceremony with our friends.”
“I hope you will ever include me in that number. But my call this morning is of a business character.”
“Shall I leave the room, papa?”
“No, my dear, I can have no business in which you are not equally interested.”
“By no means, my dear Miss Ford; I particularly desire that you should be present. Mr. Ford, I called on your cousin Lewis last evening.”
“And I suppose he renewed his offer,” said Mr. Ford, hastily. “Tell him from me that I shall accept no pittance at his hands. The only proposition to which I shall listen is one that will surrender to me half of my father’s estate.”
“He has consented to such a surrender,” said Mr. Sharp.
“My cousin has consented to yield me one half the estate!” exclaimed Mr. Ford, overwhelmed with astonishment.
Helen drew near, and listened intently, half believing she was dreaming.
“Read this,” said the lawyer, showing the document he had extorted from the fears of Lewis Rand.