“No; there’s nothing like trying. As far as I know she does not dislike you, and who can tell but you might in time, by clever courting, teach her to really care for you? I will say for your consolation that I think you as worthy of her as any other unmarried man of my acquaintance.”
“Thank you,” he said. “You found them all well at Lakeside?”
“Yes, and rejoicing over a piece of good fortune—the recovery of the stolen notes; though where they came from is a profound secret.”
She enjoyed his surprise and pleasure, and in answer to a question or two, went on to give him the whole story, adding that he was to be sent for to attend to the business arrangements for them.
“I’ll go over at once and save them the trouble of sending,” he said, rising. “Good-evening.”
“Good-evening,” she responded. “Come back and report, won’t you?”
He only gave her a bow and smile, then hastened on his way.
The Lakeside family were just about to sit down to tea when he arrived, and, of course, he was invited to partake with them.
They had their business talk at the table.
On the conclusion of the meal all repaired to the porch except Miriam, who, leaving the entertainment of the guest to her grandmother and Ronald, stole quietly out into the garden, and busied herself among her flowers.