“Is it not quite enough?” said she, looking up at Vance through her tears, “another disappointment is father’s only reward.”
Vance was shocked, for this disappointment meant a great deal to him.
“Is it possible,” he ejaculated, “and your father was so confident only the other night!”
“You will not be angry with father?” said Louise, laving her hand on Vance’s arm.
“Angry,” replied Vance, “no; why should I be? He and I are jointly interested in results. If they are unfavorable, why, he cannot be more disappointed than I am. Had he been successful, we would have been equal partners as well.”
“Thank you,” said Louise, “I pity my poor father so much.” She dried her eyes a little and then went on: “Aunt Sally was so querulous with papa last evening when she heard the result, and it made papa very unhappy; indeed, he did not sleep any during the night, though I have comforted him as well as I could.”
“And have not slept a wink?” said Vance, looking at her keenly.
“How could I, when papa was so troubled?”
Vance was silent. Presently he spoke: “I will confess I never was more disappointed in my life. I was so hopeful your father would be successful. Mind,” he continued, hastily, glancing at Louise, “I attach no blame to him.”