Constance shrank away from the familiarity with a loathing and fear which,
as her persecutor followed, drove her to the curb.

"How dare you?" she burst out, finding he was not to be avoided.

"Now don't be silly, and--"

There the sentence ended, for the man was jerked backwards by the collar,
and then shot forward, with a shove, full length into the gutter.

"I feared you would need assistance, Miss Durant, and so took the liberty
of following you at a distance," explained Dr. Armstrong, as the cur
picked himself up and slunk away.

"You are very--Thank you deeply for your kindness, Dr. Armstrong," gasped
the girl, her voice trembling. "I ought to have been guided by your advice
and taken the car, but the truth is, I suddenly remembered--that is, I
happened to be without any money, and was ashamed to ask you for a loan.
Now, if you'll lend me five cents, I shall be most grateful."

"It is said to be a feminine trait never to think of contingencies,"
remarked the doctor, "and I think, Miss Durant, that your suggested five
cents has a tendency in that direction. I will walk with you to Lexington
Avenue, which is now your nearest line, and if you still persist then in
refusing my escort, I shall insist that you become my debtor for at least
a dollar."

"I really need not take you any further than the car, thank you, Dr.
Armstrong, for I can get a cab at Twenty-third Street."