it became more and more evident that she was locked out. What should
she do? After canvassing the situation thoroughly, she could think of
nothing for it but to seek refuge with the Miser. Her acquaintance in
the neighbourhood was limited. Miss Kitty the dressmaker had gone to
vespers, and her cottage was dark. The apartment house was too far away.
From the Miser's library she could watch for the light which would
betoken the waking up of the delinquent one. So across the street, her
nose in her muff, ran Margaret Elizabeth.

The little housekeeper, Mrs. Sampson, who opened the door, was all
solicitude. Such a cold evening to be locked out! She knew Mr. Knight
would be glad to have her wait in the library. He had stepped out for
a little walk, though she had warned him it was too cold. Thus saying,
Mrs. Sampson ushered her in, and followed to see if the fire was all it
should be.

It was, for the Candy Man had just given it a vigorous poking and put on
fresh coal. The room was full of its pleasant light.

Mrs. Sampson was surprised to find him there. "Miss Bentley, this is
Mr. Reynolds, a friend of Mr. Knight's," she explained, adding that Miss
Bentley was locked out, and wished to sit by the window and watch for
her uncle to come back. "And if you'll excuse me, Miss Bentley, the cook
has her Sunday evenings out, and I get supper myself," she added as she
withdrew.

Margaret Elizabeth and the Candy Man faced each other in silence for a
second or two, then she said, very gravely indeed, "I am glad to meet
you, Mr. Reynolds."