CHAPTER VII.
WHO CAN SHE BE?
Mr. W—— was rather surprised to receive quite an early call at his bindery from the son of his wealthy patron—the younger Legare. He had met Frank at his club, and on “the road,” for both drove fast horses; but the young man had never before visited the bindery, though his father often did.
Mr. W——, however, received his visitor with great cordiality, and asked what he could do for him.
“I would like to see you in your private office a moment,” said young Legare, who had, when he entered the large room, cast a keen and searching glance at all the hands—men, boys, and girls—whom his eye could reach.
“Certainly. Step this way,” said Mr. W——, leading the way to a room partitioned off at the upper end of the main bindery. “Take a seat, Mr. Legare,” he said, pointing to a luxurious arm-chair, cushioned and backed with morocco.
“Thank you. I will detain you but a moment,” said Frank. “My father was here yesterday?”
“Yes; he left some work, which will be finished by to-morrow. He is one of my best patrons,” replied W——.
“He discovered a prodigy here yesterday,” said young Legare.
“A prodigy?”
“Yes, sir; at least he seems to think so, for he talked like a crazy man about her—a girl beautiful as a houri, and as learned as she is beautiful, the mistress, he said, of no less than five languages.”