Page:The Valley of Fear.pdf/178

Rh have seemed more surprising. So entranced was he that he stood staring without a word, and it was she who broke the silence.

“I thought it was Father,” said she with a pleasing little touch of a German accent. “Did you come to see him? He is down town. I expect him back every minute.”

McMurdo continued to gaze at her in open admiration until her eyes dropped in confusion before this masterful visitor.

“No, Miss,” he said at last, “I’m in no hurry to see him. But your house was recommended to me for board. I thought it might suit me—and now I know it will.”

“You are quick to make up your mind,” said she with a smile.

“Anyone but a blind man could do as much,” the other answered.

She laughed at the compliment. “Come right in, Sir,” she said. “I’m Miss Ettie Shafter, Mr. Shafter’s daughter. My mother’s dead, and I run the house. You can sit down by the stove in the front room until Father comes along Ah, here he is! So you can fix things with him right away.” [176]