"I will help you, then," he said with sudden resolve, and in a tone that
would be a comfort to any woman in distress.

His tone and the look of respectful kindliness he gave her kept the girl
in the carriage until his return, although in her fear and sudden distrust
of all the world, she thought more than once of attempting to slip away.
Yet without money, and in a costume which could but lay her open to
suspicion, what was she to do? Where was she to go?

As the young man let himself into his home with his latch-key, he heard
the butler's well trained voice answering the telephone. "Yes, ma'am;
this is Mrs. Dunham's residence.... No, ma'am, she is not at home.... No,
ma'am, Miss Dunham is out also.... Mr. Dunham? Just wait a moment, please
I think Mr. Dunham has just come in. Who shall I say wishes to speak to
him?... Mrs. Parker Bowman?... Yes, ma'am; just wait a minute, please.
I'll call Mr. Dunham."

The young man frowned. Another interruption! And Miss Bowman! It was at
her house that he was to dine. What could the woman want? Surely it was
not so late that she was looking him up. But perhaps something had
happened, and she was calling off her dinner. What luck if she was! Then
he would be free to attend the problem of the young woman whom fate, or
Providence, had suddenly thrust upon his care.

He took the receiver, resolved to get out of going to the dinner if it
were possible.

"Good evening, Mrs. Bowman."

"Oh, is that you, Mr. Dunham? How relieved I am! I am in a bit of