“No, indeed,” she answered softly. “With his growing responsibilities Vance seems to have ceased to be a boy any longer. Not that we regret the change, but it would have pleased us better if the change had been more gradual.”
“I can understand your feelings,” said Bradhurst sympathetically. “But the end is almost in sight, Miss Elsie. It seems to be only a question of a few days now when Vance’s control of the corn market will be so complete that the whole country will recognize it.”
“Isn’t it wonderful to think what he has accomplished?” cried Elsie, enthusiastically. “Why every day the papers have something to say about him. This morning the Record referred to him as the ‘young corn king.’ Think of that!”
“And so he will be, I daresay, inside of forty-eight hours. Your brother has a wonderful head for speculative ventures. For that reason, and because I owe my life to his pluck and presence of mind, I decided to see him through, if it took the last dollar I possessed.”
“You were very good—very generous! We can never thank you enough for the interest you have taken in Vance.”
“I hope you won’t let the matter worry you any, Miss Elsie,” said Bradhurst, with a glance of unfeigned admiration for the girl.
She noticed the look and dropped her gaze to the carpet.
From that moment an increasing sympathy grew between the two.
Elsie recognized and was grateful for what Mr. Bradhurst was doing for her brother, whom she dearly loved, while the millionaire found a new pleasure in talking to and encouraging the lovely girl for whom he was beginning to feel a warm regard.