“I have you,” said Helen, archly.
Martha smiled faintly.
“I am afraid if that is all you have to rely upon that it will be leaning on a broken reed. However, we will hope for the best, and not despond till we have reason to do so.”
So the two conversed till Helen heard a neighboring clock striking five.
“Five o’clock!” she exclaimed. “I did not know it was so late. I must go up and prepare supper.”
She tripped lightly up stairs with a new hope in her heart. Unconscious of the cares which had fallen so early upon his daughter, Mr. Ford was laboring at his machinery. Helen came and stood by his side.
“Well, papa, what progress?” she asked, cheerfully.
“Very good, my child,” said the dreamer. “I have just succeeded in obviating a difficulty which has perplexed me for some time.”
“How very glad I am, papa. That ought to give you a good appetite for your supper. I shall have it ready in a few minutes.”