“I am—miss.”
He had quickly decided that she was young, and diplomacy led him in his uncertainty to address her as miss instead of madam.
Her veil was so heavy that it was absolutely baffling, permitting him to obtain no view of her features that would give him a conception of her looks. Her voice was musical and low and filled with strange, sweet sadness.
There was about her an air of mystery that struck Frank at once.
“I believe you are looking for some place to stop while in town?” she observed questioningly.
“That is quite true, and thus far I have looked in vain.”
“It is a shame that a stranger here should be treated thus. The hotels have declined to take you in?”
“Yes, miss; likewise the only boarding house and several private houses where we have made application.”
“If you will depend on me I’ll find accommodations for you and your friends.”
Merry’s surprise increased. His face cleared and he gave her one of those rare, manly smiles that made him so wonderfully attractive.