"Allow me to assist you," he said. "I am used to this kind of work."
A scream rose to Marion's lips, but she suppressed it. The effort set her trembling from head to foot. Yet it seemed to her that there was no cause to be frightened, for she had never heard Ralph's voice so kind before.
"Uncle," she stammered, "what are you doing here?"
By way of reply Ralph opened the door. He gave the sign for Marion to precede him, and then followed her out into the night. The heavy door closed behind him.
"I might with equal justice ask you the same question," he said. "Nay, more; because you are merely a young girl and I am a man. And you know I don't sleep like most virtuous people. I suffer from insomnia and never sleep for long anywhere. Perhaps I am like the cat who prowls about all night and slumbers in the daytime. But where are you going?"
"Uncle Ralph, I cannot tell you. It is a secret. If you knew everything you would pity me."
There was a deepening ring in Marion's voice. Ralph caressed her hand tenderly.
"Don't trouble," he said. "I know."
"You know where I am going. You—you know!"
"Certainly I do. I know everything, my dear."