"I'll have my hands full for a few weeks before I go on that sailing trip. I don't know how I'm going to manage it."
"Well, you just must!"
"Suppose we don't say anything to the others till I make sure I can go. I've got some big things on now, Indiana—"
"You won't go after you've worked me all up about it—you'll keep on grinding until you're past curing, until one day you'll just drop down and die. What do you care—and ma and Grandma Chazy and—and I'll be left with no one to look after us." She buried her face in her muff, making piteous little gulps.
"I'm a fool," thought Stillwater, patting her on the back. "The idea of that little thing takin' it so to heart. I didn't think she was old enough to realize things like that. None of us know how much there is in Indiana." His heart swelled with gratitude at this proof of devotion from his only child.
"Now, Indiana, don't lose your grip like this. I'm going, I tell you. I'm going on this trip. There isn't anything on earth that'll stop me. Hi! Driver! Just run through and stop at Thorley's!"
As the hansom dashed up to Thorley's Indiana gave a clear jump to the curb, disdaining the hand her father held out.
"American beauties!" said Stillwater.
The salesman showed them a gorgeous long-stemmed cluster.
"That's the ticket," said Stillwater. "My, they're fresh, Indiana." She selected one and fastened it in her furs. "I'll carry the rest for you. Now what would the others like?"