He paused and took her cheeks between his hands.
"Promise me, dear—it's the one wish of my heart, the one thing worth working and struggling for—promise me that you will never stop until the training of your voice is complete, that no matter what happens you will obey me in this. It is my one command. You will obey me?"
There was dignity and compelling power now in the deep tones of his voice.
The girl felt instinctively its authority.
"Yes, Papa, I promise, if it will make you happy."
"It's the only thing I live for. I've never said this to you before, but I say it now and I don't want you ever to forget it. Now run along to bed and never bother your pretty head again about such things. I'll find food and a home for my baby and she shall live her own beautiful life to the last reach of its power. All I ask is that you do your level best with the gift of God."
"I'll try, Papa dear," was the quiet answer as she kissed him again and softly left the room.
Harriet had scarcely reached her room when Adams, the cashier of one of the Allied Banks, who owed the doctor for three months' rent, entered the library with quick nervous tread.
"I've big news, sir," he said excitedly.
The doctor looked up with a half bantering smile.