He searched for something definite.

What could he do to prove to his daughter his real interest in her work?
Presently he remembered Johnny Geer, the cripple boy whom he had liked, and at once he began to feel himself back again upon known ground.

Instead of millions here was one, one plucky lad who needed help.

All right, by George, he should have it! And Roger told his daughter he would be glad to pay the expense of sending John away for the summer, and that in the autumn perhaps he would take the lad into his office.
"That's good of you, dearie," Deborah said.

It was her only comment, but from the look she gave him Roger felt he was getting on.
* * * * * One evening not long afterwards, as they sat together at dinner, she rose unsteadily to her feet and said in a breathless voice, "It's rather close in here, isn't it?
I think I'll go outside for a while." Roger jumped up.
"Look here, my child, you're faint!" he cried.
"No, no, it's nothing! Just the heat!" She swayed and reeled, pitched suddenly forward.