“I have kept it all to myself.”
“But what of Mr. Kendall? I think your father told Flood you were engaged to him.”
Dora blushed a little, and appeared confused for a moment.
“Really, sir. I have no deeper feeling than that of esteem for Mr. Kendall,” she presently replied. “I greatly fear that my father drew upon his imagination somewhat, and merely aimed to insure the end of Mr. Flood’s visits.”
“Oh, very likely,” nodded Nick. “Yet you would have let Flood go without disabusing him?”
The girl turned and pointed toward the house.
“My father is an aged man, sir, and I have been taught to be dutiful and obedient,” said she, with charming simplicity. “I saw him in tears when he dismissed the man, who, without knowing it, has won my love. I could do no less than remain silent, sir, and abide my own time.”
“You’re a good girl,” said Nick gravely. “I shall do all I can, Miss Royal, to turn matters in your favor. Meantime, however, should anything happen and you need advice, I want you to come to me, or send for me, and I will come to you. It may be greatly to your advantage to do so, rather than to go to another.”
“Then, sir, I surely will do so.”
“Without fail?”