At the second street intersection she turned east, advancing toward
where passing trolley-cars promised some life and activity even at that
late hour. Helpless to do otherwise I moved along with her in the same
direction, our grotesque shadows dimly discernible beneath the yellow
mist of light. Impulsively she stopped, and faced me, her hands
clasped.

"I--I--please--I will say good night, now," she said, endeavoring to
speak firmly, yet with no uplifting of the eyes.

Hesitatingly I stood still, feeling strangely embarrassed by this
sudden curt dismissal.

"Do--do you mean you wish me to leave you alone on the street at this
hour?" I questioned uneasily. "At least permit me to see you home
safely. I will not hurt you, or speak a word."

There was a tone of earnestness in my plea but she only shook her head
decisively, lips pressed close together. The faint glow of the
overhead light rested on the slightly uplifted face, and the sight of
her features yielded me fresh confidence.

"You have no cause to feel afraid of me," I went on soberly, in the
silence. "Can't you tell that by my face?" and I removed my cap,
standing before her uncovered. She lifted her lashes, startled and
curious, gazing at me for the first time. I met her glance fairly, and
the slight resentment in her eyes faded, her clasped hands moving
uneasily.

"I--I am not afraid of--of you," she returned at last doubtfully. "It