Somehow or other Joe Strong did not feel much like eating. He had a sudden and undefinable suspicion of that law clerk.
CHAPTER XX
A FALL
There were merry hearts at the little celebration given by Helen Morton—"Mademoiselle Mortonti"—in recognition of coming into her inheritance. That is, the hearts were all merry save that of Joe Strong.
For a few seconds after Helen had made the statement about having left her money with the law clerk for investment, Joe could only stare at her. On her part the young circus rider seemed to think there was nothing unusual in what she had done.
"Congratulations, Miss Morton!" called Bill Watson, as he waved his napkin in the air. "Congratulations!"
"Why don't you call me Helen as you used to?" asked the girl.
"Oh, you're quite a rich young lady now, and I didn't think you would want me to be so familiar," he replied with a laugh.
"Goodness! I hope every one isn't going to get so formal all at once," she remarked, with a look at Joe.