You cannot know how much
good your words have done me to-night. I needed them, and they
will help me for years to come."
The gentleman's eyes grew moist again, and he said, huskily:
"I know you are rather alone in the world, but if it should ever
happen that there is anything that I could do for you were I your
father, call on John Musgrave. There, I cannot trust myself to
speak to you any more, though I have so much to say. Good-night,
and good-by;" and he made a very precipitate retreat, thoroughly
overcome by his warm Southern heart.
"I dread to leave you looking so sad and ill, or else I would say
good-night also," said Van Berg.
She started as if she had half forgotten his presence, and kept
her face averted as she replied:
"I will say good-night to you, Mr. Van Berg. I would prove poor
company this evening."
"Before you go I wish to thank you for letting me stay," he said,
hastily. "As Mr. Musgrave asserted, you would indeed never have
told me what I have heard, and yet I would not have missed hearing
it for more than you will believe. How many lives have you blessed,
Jennie Burton?"
"Not very many, I fear, but I half wish I knew.
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