"Give me your key," said the doctor, "and I'll let myself out. I will bring it to you in the morning. You will not want it till then?"
"No, indeed, but I hate to think of your going down in the dark."
"Do you think I'm afraid of the dark, Nan Corner?"
"Of course not, but——"
"You are, I verily believe."
"Not exactly, only it would have been sort of boogy and spooky if I had to come through that court and up that first flight by myself."
"And it would not have been the proper thing for you to do."
"Nobody ever imagined that in this age such a necessity would arise. We will all petition for a light at the very entrance. I know mother and Aunt Helen will be horrified at this outer darkness. I was so thankful to see you, though at first——"
"Own up you were scared."
"Yes, I was, and with good reason. I saw you stop and I tried to climb in through the keyhole or the crack of the door, but couldn't. Oh, but I was thankful it was you, and I remember it isn't the first time you've proved a friend in need. I don't forget last year. Be sure to come early to-morrow. I am wild to hear all about Aunt Sarah and the boys, not to mention all the other dear people at home. Good-night. Won't you take my candle, even if you don't the candlestick?"