course thought you would take care of the little girl."

"She has had quite a severe shock," the gentleman remarked, again
looking at Lulu, who was very pale and trembling like a leaf. "You had
better wait and let me help you down the stairs. I shall be ready in a
very few moments."

Betty thanked him and said they would wait.

While they did so she tried to jest and laugh with Lulu; but the little
girl was in no mood for such things; she felt sick and dizzy at the
thought of the danger she had escaped but a moment ago. She made no
reply to Betty's remarks, and indeed seemed scarcely to hear them.

She was quite silent, too, while being helped down the stairs by the
kind stranger, but thanked him prettily as they separated.

"You are heartily welcome," he said; "but if you will take my advice you
will never go needlessly into such danger again."

With that he shook hands with her, bowed to Betty, and moved away.

"Will you go in and rest awhile, Lu?" asked Betty.

"No, thank you; I'm not tired; and I'd rather be close by the sea. Tell
me another of your stories, won't you? to help me forget how near I came
to falling."

Betty good-naturedly complied, but found Lulu a less interested listener
than before.