"I suppose not this time; mamma needs me." But at the breakfast table, when he renewed the subject, that lady from her little side table said promptly: "Yes." Mary needed the exercise and diversion, and then there was a little mending to be done for the old general. He always saved it for her. It was his whim. So they started in Edward's buggy, riding in silence until he said abruptly: "I am persevering, Miss Montjoy, as you will some day find out, and I am counting upon your help." "In what?" She was puzzled by his manner. "In getting Moreau in Paris to look into the little mamma's eyes." She reflected a moment. "But Dr. Campbell is coming." "It is through him I going to accomplish my purpose; he must send her to Paris." "But," she said, sadly, "we can't afford it. Norton could arrange it, but papa would not be willing to incur such a debt for him." "His son--her son!" Edward showed his surprise very plainly. "You do not understand. Norton has a family; neither papa nor mamma would borrow from him, although he would be glad to do anything in the world he could. And there is Annie----" she stopped. Edward saw the difficulty. "Would your father accept a loan from me?" She flushed painfully. "I think not, Mr. Morgan. He could hardly borrow money of his guest." "But I will not be his guest, and it will be a simple business transaction. Will you help me?" She was silent. "It is very hard, very hard," she said, and tears stood in her eyes. "Hard to have mamma's chances hang upon such a necessity." "Supposing I go to your father and say: 'This thing is necessary and must be done. I have money to invest at 5 per cent. and am going to Paris. If you will secure me with a mortgage upon this place for the necessary amount I will pay all expenses and take charge of your wife and daughter.' Would it offend him?" "He could not be offended by such generosity, but it would distress him--the necessity." "That should not count in the matter," he said, gravely. "He is already distressed. And what is all this to a woman's eyesight?" "How am I to help?" she asked after a while. "The objection will be chiefly upon your account, I am afraid," he said, after reflection. "You will have to waive everything and second my efforts. That will settle it." She did not promise, but seemed lost in thought. When she spoke again it was upon other things.