“Yes,” said the Senator, “I thought I’d come out and make your acquaintance. You have quite a family.”
“Yes,” said the father, who was conscious of his very poor garments and anxious to get away. “I have six children—all young. She’s the oldest girl.”
Mrs. Gerhardt now came back, and Gerhardt, seeing his chance, said hurriedly:
“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go. I broke my saw, and so I had to stop work.”
“Certainly,” said Brander, graciously, realizing now why Jennie had never wanted to explain. He half wished that she were courageous enough not to conceal anything.
“Well, Mrs. Gerhardt,” he said, when the mother was stiffly seated, “I want to tell you that you mustn’t look on me as a stranger. Hereafter I want you to keep me informed of how things are going with you. Jennie won’t always do it.”
Jennie smiled quietly. Mrs. Gerhardt only rubbed her hands.
“Yes,” she answered, humbly grateful.
They talked for a few minutes, and then the Senator rose.
“Tell your husband,” he said, “to come and see me next Monday at my office in the hotel. I want to do something for him.”