In that moment grew up between those two an affection and an understanding that under happier circumstances would have lasted all their lives. In the awful time, now so rapidly approaching, he was to be her truest friend. His love and sympathy was to outlast that of lover and father. He gave to her the place in his heart that her mother had always had, the same blind love and devotion, and it was hers until the end. "I am glad to know you, Doctor Crossett," said Lola, a little timidly, as he stepped away from her, now smiling merrily. "So," he replied heartily, as he looked around the room curiously. "So! this is one of your famous New York apartments?" "No, Paul," said Dr. Barnhelm, rather ruefully, "this is a flat." "But what is the difference?" "About a hundred dollars a month." "But surely you are not poor, Martin, you, with your mind?" "My dear Paul, it takes twenty-four hours a day to make a good living here in New York, and I could not spare the time." "I see," exclaimed Dr. Crossett, as his keen eyes fell upon the complicated electrical apparatus on the table. "You had a better use for it." He crossed and bent over the affair with deep professional interest. "So? A high frequency, a most peculiar and most powerful interrupter. Not for the X-ray? No, then for what?" "I am going to tell you all about it. There is no man in America, and only one other in Europe, who could judge of it as you could judge. It is ten years' work, Paul; it has meant poverty to both of us, but it is a big thing." "Tell me," said Dr. Crossett eagerly. "Tell him, father," interrupted Lola, "while I run to the store. I will only be a few moments, and you won't miss me. When I come back, Doctor Crossett," she smiled at him frankly, "I am going to make you explain to me all about it. Father never would." She left them, in spite of Dr. Crossett's offers to accompany her, and as the door closed behind her he stood for a moment looking after her, and from her to a framed picture of her mother that hung on the wall. "Nine years, Martin," he laid his slender, powerful hand gently on his old friend's shoulder; "nine years since you wrote me that her mother----" They stood together for a moment in silence before the Doctor answered: "Yes, Paul, nine years." "I was with you in my heart," the Frenchman continued, "but, tut--tut--! Come, you have discovered--what?" As he turned away the bell rang, and with a word of excuse Dr. Barnhelm stepped to the door and admitted John Dorris. "Lola told me to wait for her here," said the young man cheerfully. "She wouldn't let me go with her, to tell the truth; I am taking a little holiday, and I don't quite know what to do with myself." The Doctor turned to his friend, smiling. "Each of us, Doctor Crossett, as we grow older accumulate troubles. Will you let me present my worst, Mr. John Dorris?" "I am pleased," said the Frenchman, bowing, "but shall I confess that I do not understand?"