Was that not just what she had to offer?
Unable to restrain herself longer and her heart beating tumultuously from suppressed emotion, she cried: "We'll have that support! We'll have it! I've got it already! I wanted to surprise you! Father, the most powerful man in the United States will save you from being dishonoured!" The two men leaned forward in eager interest.

What could the girl mean?
Was she serious or merely jesting?
But Shirley was never more serious in her life.

She was jubilant at the thought that she had arrived home in time to invoke the aid of this powerful ally.

She repeated enthusiastically: "We need not worry any more.

He has but to say a word and these proceedings will be instantly dropped.