She went away at once.
Ogilvie now approached the bed, dropped into a chair and took one of Sibyl’s hands.
“You have been a long time away, father,” said the child.
“I have, my darling, I had a great deal to do.”
“Business, father?”
“Yes, dearest, important business.”
“You don’t look well,” said Sibyl. She gazed at him, apprehensively, her blue eyes opened wide, and a spasm of pain flitted across her brow.
“I have had a hard time,” said the man, “and now, my little girl, I have come to you, to you, my dearest, to perform the hardest task of my life.”
“To me, father? The hardest task of your life?”