But Dick Hammond, who heard and saw all that was going on, hastened forward to offer his services as bearer.
“Anna, do let me carry her up stairs. I can do so with so much more ease to her than you and Marcy could,” he said. And without waiting for leave, he tenderly raised the unconscious form and gently bore it after Marcy, who led the way up to the Rose Room.
Anna bade good night to Dr. Barbar, and then turned and kissed her grandfather and asked for his usual blessing.
“God bless you, my dear child, for you have done a righteous deed this night. Take care of the poor desolate girl upstairs, and if I can be of any service to her, do not hesitate to call on me, even if you should have to wake me up in the night. My house, my purse, and myself, Anna, are at her orders no less than at yours, as long as she has wants and I have means,” answered the grand old man, as he pressed a kiss upon his child’s brow and dismissed her.
Anna hurried up stairs and met Dick on the landing. He had just deposited his charge on her couch and left her room.
“Hallelujah, Dick!” exclaimed Anna.
“Hallelujah, Anna!” responded Dick, as their hands met in a hearty, congratulatory clasp.
“It is all right with us now, Anna?”
“All quite right now, Dick, darling.”
Dick looked gratefully and then pleadingly in her face, as he took her hand again and gently drew her towards him.