Because it is written there," was his smiling reply.

"But it only refers to an imaginary child, and, by so doing, places a surprising and alarming truth before me." "Is the matter so very serious, dad ?" she asked, noticing the curious effect the words had had upon him.
"Serious!" he echoed, leaning forward in his chair.

"Yes," he answered in a low voice, "it is very serious, child, both to me and to you." "I don't understand you, dad," she exclaimed, walking to his chair throwing herself upon her knees, and placing her arms around his neck.
"Won't you be more explicit?
Won't you tell me the truth?
Surely you can rely upon my secrecy ?" "Yes, child," he said, groping until his hand fell upon her hair, and then stroking it tenderly; "I trust you.

You keep my affairs from those people who seek to obtain knowledge of them.

Without you, I would be compelled to employ a secretary; but he could be bought, without a doubt.