“Parker?” said Annie, starting; “did you say Parker?” She roused herself and looked attentively at Leslie.
“I did,” replied Leslie. “Mr. Parker—he was my father’s great friend. Do you happen to know anyone of the name?”
“My brother has been in the office of a man of that
name, and I happen to know him slightly myself. He is a very rich city merchant. I wonder if it could possibly be the same.”
“Very likely,” answered Leslie. “Our friend’s name is Charles Parker, and he lived for a great many years in Sydney.”
“The same; it must be the same,” said Annie. She clasped her hands and looked excited. “And you know this Mr. Charles Parker well?” she said, turning to Leslie. “He is good to you?”
“I do not know him well,” replied Leslie; “but he is very good to me—more than good. The fact is, it is he who has sent me here. He is paying all my fees. He was a great friend of my dear father’s, and mother could not help accepting his generous offer. You see by that fact, Annie, that I am not a rich girl, and that I know about poverty. Now, what is troubling you? Do tell me.”
“I cannot,” replied Annie abruptly. “I have changed my mind. It is much better for you not to know.”
She moved away, looking sulky and wretched.
“Don’t you want to go to bed?” she said presently.