The young man took out his pocket-book and handed his companion a bill. "This is for your fares," he said.
Miss Mehitable's troubled brow cleared even while she blushed, seeing that he had read her thoughts.
"I don't know as this is exactly proper, Ben," she said doubtfully.
"Take my word for it, it is," he replied. "Let me be your conscience for a few weeks. I may not see you for a day or two. I have another little job of kidnapping on hand; so I put you on your honor to do your part."
He was gone, and Miss Upton, placing the sturdy stems of the apple blossoms in a pitcher of water, carried them upstairs. She tiptoed into the room where Geraldine was in bed, but the girl was awake and gave an exclamation of delight.
"Have you an apple tree, too?" she asked.
"No, Mr. Barry brought these over."
The girl's face sobered as she buried it in the blooms Miss Upton offered. Miss Mehitable looked admiringly at the golden braids hanging over the pillows.
"Do you feel rested?" she asked.
"Perfectly, and I know I have taken your bed. To-night we will make me a nice nest on the floor."