"Not his own daughter; but it is just the same."
"I think I have seen you at the shop several times."
"Yes, I always carry up mon père's dinner at half past twelve. He can't come home at noon."
"Mon père! You speak French—do you?"
"Yes, sir. I speak French and English equally well. Won't you go in and see mon père!"
Mr. Checkynshaw would be very glad to see André, and Maggie conducted him to the front room.
"I am sorry you are sick, André," said the great man.
"Thank you, sir. It is very kind of you to call upon me," replied André, amazed at the gracious mien of one who had rarely spoken to him save in the tones of authority, addressing him as a menial and an inferior.
"I always feel an interest in those I see every day; but the fact that you were taken sick at my house probably brought the matter more directly to my attention. Are you comfortably provided for, André?" asked the rich man, glancing around the room.
"Yes, sir; thank you, sir. I have everything I need," replied André, faintly; for he was not quite so sure of what he said as he wished to be, though his pride and independence revolted at any suggestion of charity.