“But you don’t expect it. Yet stranger things have happened. Now, Martha, I have a promise to exact of you. When I am rich, will you come and live with me?”
Martha smiled.
“Yes, Helen, when you are rich, I will come and live with you.”
“Mind you don’t forget your promise. I may remind you of it some day.”
“Poor child!” thought Martha. “She means, when her father has completed his invention. I am afraid it will be a long time before that will bring her a fortune.”
The next morning, Martha was sitting in her little rocking-chair, busy at her sewing, when Helen came in with a smile.
“Put down that sewing directly, Martha,” she said. “I have another plan for to-day.”
“But, my dear child, I must disobey you this time. It is quite time that I was again at work.”
“You can put off your sewing for a couple of hours. Mr. Sharp has been kind enough to invite you and papa and myself to take a ride.”
“He is very kind,” said Martha. “I don’t know why he should think of me.”