The Brownies thought it odd that the carpenter seemed so distressed by Mrs. Myles’ misfortune. They very much wanted to help the old lady too, but the matter did not excite them as it did Mr. Vincent.
“Exactly what did the bank man say?” he questioned the girls.
They related the conversation as best they could, telling of the sums the bank employee had mentioned.
“She must owe at least $1,330,” Mr. Vincent calculated. “That’s a tidy sum. Mrs. Myles couldn’t raise it in a year. Unless someone helps her, she’s certain to lose her home.”
“Quite soon too,” added Miss Gordon. “We heard the man from the bank say action already had been started.”
“Do you know of any way to help Mrs. Myles?” Veve asked the carpenter.
“Yes, I do,” he replied. “I could pay off the loan myself if she would permit me to do it.”
Even Miss Gordon was amazed by this generous offer.
“The loan amounts to considerable,” she commented.
“Yes, but I have a comfortable home of my own and a savings account. I would like to help Mrs. Myles. The question is, will she permit it?”