"'Tell me now what I can do for you,' he asked.
"'You will find my address on a card in my purse,' she replied. 'It is a long distance, two or three miles, think----'
"'I don't mind that.'
"'You need not knock or ring at the street door; the key I gave you will open it. But the passage will be dark when you enter it.'
"'I have matches with me. I shall find my way all right.'
"'Our rooms are on the first floor. My daughter will be awake. Do not alarm her by knocking loudly on the door.'
"'I will tap very gently. Go on.'
"'I do not know what you will say to her at first. A stranger--and at this late hour of the night----'
"'Do not agitate yourself. I will use my best skill and all my kindness to assure her that I come as a friend.'
"'I am sure you will, I am sure you will,' said the woman, taking his hand and kissing it. 'Heaven has been good to me to send me such a friend!'