“I was sent to report it,” said Lena weakly. “I’m going home now.”
“Going home alone? Nearly midnight?”
“What else can I do? It’s what the other girls—reporters, I mean—have to do.”
“I shall walk home with you,” said Dick sharply, and he drew her aside into the shadow, as though ashamed of being seen, and piloted her in silence to the sidewalk. Lena gave a little sob as he drew her arm through his, and still they walked on until the lights of the great house grew dim in the distance and only the quiet of the city streets by night enveloped them.
“Ought you not to go back now? You’ll lose all the pleasure,” said Lena timidly.
“Are you doing much of this kind of thing?” Dick demanded.
“This is the first time.”
“I hope it will be the last,” he answered glumly.
“So do I—I don’t like it,” whispered Lena.
“I—I can’t endure it—Lena!” Lena started as she heard her name. “Lena, come over here into the park for just a moment. I want to talk to you.”