Ned's boastful spirit was entirely beyond his control.
"Isn't the reason plain? We love each other. Is that sufficient? If you will let me help you home, I promise that you shall see her again, if you would like to."
"It is what I have lived for. You promise me--solemnly!"
"On the honour of a gentleman," said Ned, laying his hand on his heart. "Will that content you?"
"It must--it shall. You are right--I cannot walk without assistance. This is my way, I think. And you love her--and she loves you! I shall see her again! When? It must be soon! It must be soon!"
"It shall be--in a day or two. We are getting along nicely now. Ah, there's a cab--that's lucky."
He called the cab, and put Mrs. Lenoir in it.
"What street do you live in?"
She told him, and he mounted the box. In less than a quarter of an hour the cab stopped at her home. Desiring the driver to wait for him, Ned opened the street-door with the latch key she gave him.
"Shall I help you to your room?" he asked.