"You are very kind, and I—I appreciate it all,—but don't you see I can't do that?" he faltered.
"Don't be foolish, John. You must reconsider this determination; as a matter of fact I have taken the liberty of communicating with Belknap by wire; he will reach Mount Hope in the morning. We are vitally concerned, North, and you must accept help—money—whatever is necessary!"
The expression on North's face softened, and tears stood in his eyes.
"I knew you would prove reasonable," continued the general, and he glanced at Elizabeth.
She was everything to him. He could have wished that North was almost any one else than North; and in spite of himself this feeling gave its color to their interview, something of his wonted frankness was lacking. It was his unconscious protest.
"Very well, then, I will see Judge Belknap, and some day—when I can—" said North, still struggling with his emotion and his pride.
"Oh, don't speak of that!" exclaimed General Herbert hastily.
"This miserable business could not have happened at a worse time for me!" said the young fellow with bitterness.
"Don't say that, John!" pleaded Elizabeth. "For your friends—"
"You and your father, you mean!" interrupted North.