And Mr. Bowers bustled about, and offered Helen a seat with as much deference as if she were a duchess. It was easy to see that she had risen immeasurably in his estimation.
“Did the property come from a relation?” he asked.
“Yes, sir; from my grandfather.”
“Was his name the same with yours, Miss Ford?”
“No, sir. His name was Rand.”
“Not the late Gerald Rand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Why he was one of our most substantial citizens—lived on Fifth Avenue. And to think I should have had his granddaughter singing in my theatre! Well, wonders will never cease.”
“If it wouldn’t inconvenience you too much to release me,” said Helen, returning to her petition; “I like to be with papa in the evening. He is lonely without me.”
“By all means, Miss Ford, I would oblige you even were the inconvenience ten times as great,” said Mr. Bowers, obsequiously.