Miss Theodosia laughed outright.
"I do need help. Were you ever a steam whistle? You put two fingers in your mouth, one in each corner—I was trying to get up my courage to do it!"
The felt hat rolled down the steps, the stranger needing both his hands.
"Like this?"
"Ye-s. I never saw a steam whistle, you know. That was what I was wishing."
"Heard one? Because I can give a demonstration."
"Don't!" Miss Theodosia shut her ears.
"I heard one—demonstration. I thought some one was dying, at least."
"Oh, that was the 'help wanted!' I see. My services are not required, then; it was a false alarm."
Miss Theodosia was on her feet, remembering her manners. "It was a true enough alarm; won't you sit down? I think my nerves need a doctor."