"Did you wish to see me about anything?" she asked bluntly as her thoughts flew instinctively to the poisoned candy. "If you do, please come in, and I will be glad to listen."
"I do, indeed," responded the young man. "I should not have dreamed of intruding upon you without a very good reason."
Faith was almost sure it was the candy now, although she had been assured by his father that he had been told nothing about it.
As she introduced him to her mother, she was anxious and excited, and one conjecture as to his errand followed swiftly after another. When they were seated Mr. Denton started at once on his errand, and as he talked he gazed at Faith earnestly, as though trying to read her emotion.
"My errand is a purely personal one," he began, "and you ladies may think it a selfish one also, but the fact is I have come for a little assistance. I want you, Miss Marvin, to help me reason with my father."
Faith made an exclamation of unfeigned surprise.
"I don't understand," she said slowly. "What is wrong with your father, Mr. Denton?"
"That's what I'd like to know," was the emphatic answer, "but between you and I, it's my opinion that he's crazy!"
Mrs. Marvin and Faith both stared at him curiously, for this time there was more sadness than disrespect in his language.
"Listen to this," he went on quickly, "and see if I am not right! I will put the situation before you without a particle of exaggeration."