"I know your brother very well. He is the junior partner in the firm of Bent, La Motte, & Co. Their house is doing a fine business, too. I don't think we can find your brother to-night, but we will in the morning."
"He will be very much astonished to see us here."
"No doubt of it; but your coming was a blessing to me. I have three sons, but Emily is my only daughter, and the youngest child. She is my pet. She is in delicate health, and I tremble at the thought of losing her. You cannot understand what a service you have rendered me."
He was silent for several minutes, and I saw the tears starting in his eyes again. He was thinking of her who was lost, or her who was saved—of both, more likely.
"Shall you return to Torrentville again?" he asked, after walking across the room two or three times, apparently to quiet his emotions.
"No, sir, I think not."
"Wherever you go, young man, I shall be your friend, with my money and my influence."
"Thank you, sir."
"I will consult with your brother, to-morrow, in regard to what I can do to serve you best; but my gratitude shall have a substantial expression."
"O, sir, I don't ask anything for what I have done," I protested.