examine all the papers, certificates of stock, bonds, deeds, mortgages,
and so forth."

"Oh, papa!" she cried, lifting her hands in dismay, "what a task. Please
excuse me. You know all about it, and is not that sufficient?"

"No, the property is yours; I have been only your steward, and must now
render up an account to you for the way in which I have handled your
property."

"You render an account to _me_, my own dear father," she said low and
tremulously, while her face flushed crimson; "I cannot bear to hear you
speak so. I am fully satisfied, and very, _very_ thankful for all your
kind care of it and of me."

He regarded her with a smile of mingled tenderness and amusement, while
softly patting and stroking the small white hand laid lovingly upon his.

"Could I--could any father--do less for his own beloved child?" he asked.

"Not you, I know, papa. But may I ask you a question?"

"As many as you like."

"How much are you worth? Ah! you needn't look so quizzical. I mean how
much do you own in money, land, etc.?"

"Something less than a million; I cannot tell you the exact number of
dollars and cents."