"Sure. It will do me good, too." "And you're not asking me just to be nice--you really want me?" "Don't you know by this time whether I want you or not?" he returned, in a tone that brought the color to her cheeks. "Please come!" "All right," she agreed. When they were seated in McIver's roadster, she added, "I really can't deny myself the thrilling triumph of taking a business man away from his work during office hours." "You take my thoughts away from my work a great many times during office hours, Helen," he retorted, as the car moved away. "Must I wait much longer for my answer, dear?" She replied, hurriedly, "Please, Jim, not that to-day. Let's not think about it even." "All right," he returned, grimly. "I just want you to know, though, that I am waiting." "I know, Jim--and--and you are perfectly wonderful but--Oh, can't we forget it just for an hour?" As if giving himself to her mood, McIver's voice and manner changed. "Do you mind if we stop at the factory just a second? I want to leave some papers. Then we can go on up the river drive." * * * * * An hour later they were returning, and because it was the prettiest street in that part of Millsburgh, McIver chose the way that would take them past the old house. John Ward's machine was standing in front of the Martin cottage. McIver saw it and looked quickly at his companion. There was no need to ask if Helen had recognized her brother's car. The factory owner considered the new manager of the Mill a troublesome obstacle in his own plans for making war on the unions. He felt, too, that with John now in control of the business, his chances of bringing about the combination of the two industries were materially lessened. He had wondered, at times, if it was not her brother's influence that caused Helen to put off giving him her final answer to his suit. When he saw that Helen had recognized John's car, he remarked, with an insinuating laugh, "Evidently I am not the only business man who can be lured from his office during working hours." "Jim, how can you?" she protested. "You know John is there on business to see Charlie or his father." "It is a full hour yet before quitting time at the Mill," he returned. She had no reply to this, and the man continued with a touch of malicious satisfaction, "After all, Helen, John is human, you know, and old Pete Martin's daughter is a mighty attractive girl." Helen Ward's cheeks were red, but she managed to control her voice, as she said, "Just what do you mean by that, Jim?" "Is it possible that you really do not know?" he countered. "I know that my brother, foolish as he may be about some things, would never think of paying serious attention to the daughter of one of his employees," she retorted, warmly. "That is exactly the situation," he returned. "No one believes for a moment that the affair is serious on John's part."