Anne, with an embarrassed laugh, held forth her left hand and displayed a beautiful solitaire. "Ahhs!" and "Ohs" and other exclamations of admiration pleased John and Anne mightly, and both felt that this mundane life was really a Paradise.
With one accord it had been agreed to postpone the talk of Rainbow Cliffs and Choko's Find until after supper that evening. By that time the doctor would have arrived and expressed an opinion about the injured Riggley, and see if Ratzger was doing nicely under the home-treatment given him.
"Because it makes me feel rather guilty to talk over our future plans about this big combination, when we know that not far off are two men so fearfully injured on account of this very fortune," added Mrs. Brewster, when she heard the business talk would not take place at once.
"As long as I am here and having such a wonderful rest, I would just as soon wait for Latimer and Evans to put in an appearance, before we discuss finances," said Mr. Maynard.
"We'll have enough talk left over to warm up for them," remarked Tom, whimsically.
"And we want to get you first, Dad, and see how much money you will put in. When there are too many men about to talk to at once, the force of our arguments will be scattered," declared Eleanor, nodding her head wisely.
Every one laughed—the first hearty laugh since the accident on the shale-fields. And every one felt much better for that laugh.
"I tell you what, boys, isn't this girl of mine a born business-brain?" added Mr. Maynard fondly patting Eleanor on the head.
"Sure! That's why I am going to run the business end of Polly's and my company, while she supplies all the ideals and plans for the work," asserted Eleanor.
"What's this? Something new on your old Dad?" asked her father.