"What about Mr. Carver?" she asked nervously.
"No worry in that direction—he is a sworn officer of the law and is fond of certain people who would be sorry to be involved in a story, even in a small way. He is one of the finest young men I know, and he is progressing rapidly in all ways. Some day he will be a rich man. He is brainy, and coming to the front all over Long Island. He may go far!" concluded Updyke, who knew the value of good friendship toward a man who aspired.
"I—I am ever so glad you have talked to me about all these matters, and now please tell me who you are so I'll know why you have interested yourself in our behalf," said Winifred, her voice reflecting her real thoughts.
She had no artifice by which to speak with double meaning.
"Oh, I am a friend of Mr. Villard's, and he and I would naturally pull together. He is a fine man, but the dear fellow is lonesome. Too bad he doesn't marry some sweet natured home body that would love him, and drive away the solitude of this wonderful place," replied Updyke, waving his hand at the well kept premises.
They were now at the east entrance of the stately home and he opened the door for her to enter.
"I shall hope to see you again, sir—some time. You have been exceedingly kind and I promise to act upon your suggestions."
Then she added, "I am glad you are a good friend of Mr. Villard's. He needs companionship."
A little later on, with herself and father already seated comfortably in Villard's smart touring car, she was surprised when Mr. Updyke got in and asked to be allowed to sit beside Mr. Barbour. This change brought Villard into the seat beside Winifred. But she thought she saw the reason for it by the way Updyke brought the sick man out of his doldrums.
"You are going to feel a lot better when you get back to your old haunts," said he, affably. "When a man spends a lifetime in one place, there is where his heart belongs. He should seldom leave it—your world is there," said Updyke, by way of getting acquainted.