And then he started in turn, for instead of showing relief she gave a half smothered little cry and shrank away from him. For a moment there was dead silence and then he said, still quietly, though it cost him an effort.
"I only mean to help you if you need a hand. Are you looking for the hotel?"
"Yes," she said in a low frightened voice.
"Well," said he, "I guess you'd walk till morning before you reached an hotel along this road. You missed the turning at the station. Give me your bag. Come along!"
She let him take the suit case and she turned back with him, but it struck him painfully that her docility was like that of a frightened animal.
"Where are you bound for?" he enquired in his usual direct way.
She murmured something that he could not catch and then they fell altogether silent till they had retraced their road to the station and turned down towards a twinkling light or two which showed where the village lay.
"Now, Miss Farmond," said he, "we are getting near this pub and as we've both got to spend the night there, you'll please observe these few short and simple rules. I'm your uncle—Uncle Ned. D'you see?"
There was no laugh, or even a smile from her. She gave a little start of surprise and in a very confused voice murmured:
"Yes, I see."