"You are too good," she exclaimed, with fervor. "But you cannot afford so large a gift. No, I would only take it if you had a very large sum, and could not possibly miss it. I asked carelessly. I should not have done so—I was selfish to think of such a thing."
"I want to speak to you about something, also," said Roseleaf, after a strained pause. "I have noticed of late that your father has some trouble on his mind."
She started suddenly.
"Ah!" was all she said.
"And I have wondered if there was anything I could do to—to aid him—to relieve him. Because, I would like it very much if I could, on account of—of—"
She looked up inquiringly.
"I have been so much a member of your family, in a certain way, that a grief like this appeals strongly to me," he said, haltingly.
She paled slightly as she repeated his words.
"A grief?"
"Well, distress, annoyance, whatever it may be called. If there is anything I can do, I shall be more than happy."