She felt the strength of the man as he lifted her bodily, and bore her across the room. He set her down upon the window-seat, supporting her with the utmost steadiness while he opened the window. The wintry air blew in upon her, and she shivered and came to life.
"Don't move!" he said.
The awful weakness was still upon her; she obeyed him because she had no choice, lying back against his arm in quivering submission.
"I'm--so sorry," she whispered at length. "I--I never did anything so stupid before."
"That so?" said Jake.
She lifted her eyes with a piteous effort to his. "Please leave me now! I shall do quite well--by myself."
"That so?" he said again.
His eyes held hers with a piercing, straight regard; but after a moment his hand came up and rubbed her icy cheek. It was a small act, but it affected her very curiously. She turned her face quickly to hide a rush of tears.
Jake's attitude changed on the instant. He stooped over her, his arm about her. "Say, Maud, my girl, what is it? What is it?" he said. "The little chap will be all right. Don't you worry any!"
The old kindness was in his voice; he held her to him just as he had held her on the morning that she had first gone to him for help. For the moment she yielded herself, scarcely knowing what she did; then she realized his nearness and began to draw herself away.