“Plotting,” supplied Gloria.
As they walked he seemed very serious and abstracted.
“Is Hazel coming home?” asked Gloria presently.
“No. Not just now. She telephoned last night and wanted to come but her mother wouldn’t hear of it. I’ll tell you, Gloria, I’m afraid the old man has been rather a bear.”
“Nonsense, Uncle Charley,” exclaimed the girl. “Daddy would have been worse. He can’t stand debt.”
“That’s just it. It all seemed so foolish. But Hattie listened too long to the lure. Who wouldn’t want to double a little money when it looked so easy? Of course Lottie was interested, but she kept it clear that the money was yours. Hazel had had her share.”
It was horrible to see him remorseful; first for Aunt Hattie and then for himself. He repeatedly blamed himself for her illness, and declared nothing now would prevent him from making it up to her as well as he could. The trip to Summerfield’s would be a joy to Hattie Macumber, for there she had spent her best youth, and there her friends still lived.
“I see you had a letter from dad,” he said next. “And I understand he may come over to our Western coast?”
“Yes. Isn’t that fine? I always knew the firm would find him a star at that end of the business. Who could resist dad?”
“Personality plus, they call it. I agree with you he has that.”