"Let business go for once; be my patient, and I will be your gentle and loving nurse."
Little did the kind-hearted girl know that she was plunging daggers into her father's heart, and that every word of endearment pierced him to the very soul.
Abruptly leaving the house, he went directly to his office, when he was joined by Sargent. The latter was dressed with scrupulous care, for he was a great dandy, and spent most of his salary for clothing. Senator Hamblin beckoned him to approach and be seated, and hesitating before commencing his business, fumbled over his papers a few moments, and then said:
"Sargent, a few weeks ago you offered to do me a service. Can I enlist you in a cause that interests me deeply, if it will also be of great advantage to you?"
"Yes, sir; you can ask me nothing that I would refuse to do."
"That is well spoken. But first, I wish you to swear you will not betray my confidence."
"I swear that, whatever you ask of me, no living person shall ever learn its nature."
"To begin with, you know I do not like Alden."
"Yes, sir; I found that out the first day I entered the bank."