For answer Eleanor sprang up and ran around to him, and throwing her arm about his neck, kissed him. "You poor, dear old dad. I knew you were in trouble; but I did not like to urge you till you got ready. Tell me about it."
Mr. Leigh smiled. It was a patronizing way she had with him which he liked while he was amused by it.
"Yes. I'm—the fact is, I'm pretty near—" He paused and reflected; then began again, "What would you say if I were to tell you that I am almost at the end of my resources?"
The girl's countenance fell for a second, then brightened again almost immediately.
"I shouldn't mind it a bit, except for you."
Mr. Leigh heaved a sigh which might have been a sigh of relief.
"You don't know what it means, my dear."
"Oh! Yes, I do."
"No-o. It means giving up—everything. Not only all luxuries; but—" He gazed about him at the sumptuous surroundings in his dining-room, "but all this—everything. Horses, carriages, servants, pictures—everything. Do you understand?"
"Everything?" Eleanor's voice and look betrayed that she was a little startled.