"Certainly,"responded Mr.Evringham quickly."I wish for your sake there was more to explain,more possibilities in the case.""We have nothing?"exclaimed the girl acutely.
"Your father took heavy chances and lost.His affairs are nearly settled,and what there is left is small indeed."The speaker cast a quick glance at the girl beside him.She had caught her lip between her teeth.Jewel's soft voice sounded in his ears."Cousin Eloise feels sorry because she isn't your real relation."An inkling of what the girl might suffer came to him.
"Your mother and you have a claim upon me,"he went on."I should certainly feel a responsibility of all my son's debts,and the one to his wife and daughter in particular.I will try to make the situation easier for you in some way.""Manage for us to go away,grandfather.Haven't you a little house somewhere?"The beseeching in her tone surprised Mr.Evringham still more.What did the girl mean?Didn't she intend to marry Ballard?He had believed her to be planning to preside in the Mountain Avenue mansion.
"Yes,it can be arranged,certainly,"he answered vaguely;"but there's no hurry,Eloise,"he added,in the kindest tone he had ever used toward her."Some evening we will go over the affairs,and I will show you where your mother stands financially,and we will try to make some plan that shall be satisfactory."Eloise gave him a grateful look,as much in response to his manner as to his words."Thank you.The present condition is certainly--error,"she said.