www.freeclassicebooks.com

"I discovered to-day, Mr. Torrance," she said, "that I have wronged you. However

unintentionally it was the fact remains that I might have done you a very great

harm and injustice. I realize now how very different things might have been if I

had listened to you and believed in you at first. Harriet told me that you were

coming tonight and I asked to see you for just a moment to tell you this and also

to ask you if you would continue with the International Machine Company.

"There is no one now whom I feel I would have so much confidence in as you. I

wish you would come back and take charge for me. If you will tell me that you will

consider it we will arrange the details later."

If an archangel had suddenly condescended to honor him with an invitation to

assist in the management of Heaven Jimmy could not have been more surprised.

He realized at what cost of pride and self-esteem the offer must have been made

and acknowledgment of error. He told her that he would be very glad to assist her

for the present, at least, and then she excused herself on the plea of nervous

exhaustion and went to her room.

Do you know," said Harriet, after Elizabeth had gone, "she really feels worse over

her past attitude toward you than she does over Harold's death? I think she

realizes now what I have told her from the first, that she never really loved him.

Of course, her pride has suffered terribly, but she will get over that quickly

enough.

"But do you know I have not had an opportunity before to congratulate you? I

wish that I might have been there to have heard the verdict, but really you don't

look half as happy as I should think you would feel."

"I am happy about that," said Jimmy, "but on top of my happiness came a

sorrow. I just came from Edith's apartment. She died while I was there."

203

The Efficiency Expert