“My poor child, my poor Anita!” he began unctuously, but she interrupted him.
“What is it, Dr. Franklin? Has something happened to Ramon?” she asked swiftly. “Please tell me! Now, without delay! Don’t keep me in suspense. I can tell by your face, your manner, that a new misfortune has come to me! Does it concern Ramon?”
“Oh, no; it is not Mr. Hamilton. You need have no fears for him, Anita. I have come upon a business matter––a matter connected with your dear father’s estate.”
Anita motioned him to a chair. Seating herself opposite, she gazed at him inquiringly.
“The settlement of the estate? Oh, the lawyers are attending to that, I believe.” Anita spoke a little coldly. Had Dr. Franklin come already to inquire about a possible legacy for St. James’?
She was ashamed of the thought the next moment, when he said gently, “Yes, but there is something which I must tell you. It has been requested that I do so. It is a delicate matter to discuss with you, but surely no one is more fitted to speak to you than I.”
“Certainly, Doctor, I understand.” She leaned forward eagerly.
“My dear, you know the whole country, the whole world at large, has always considered your father to have been a man of great wealth.”
“Yes. My father’s charities alone, as you are aware, unostentatiously as they were conducted, would have tended to give that impression. Then his tremendous business interests––”