"Are you sure you will not need it?"
"Quite sure."
The hours sped fast. Soon they reached the station where Miss Loring expected to see her niece. She went to the door of the car, and from the platform signaled to a child of eight, who returned the greeting joyfully.
"I was so afraid I should miss you, auntie," said the child.
"I have been on the lookout for you, Gertie. Come in at once."
Of course Mark vacated his seat, and aunt and niece were able to sit together. The messenger boy secured a seat a little nearer the door. He found the journey less interesting now that he was deprived of his fair companion's company.
As they were leaving the train at the Cleveland Station, Florence said, "Gertie, this is Mr. Mason, who has been of great service to me during the journey."
Gertie surveyed Mark attentively. She was an irrepressible young lady, given to plain speaking.
"He ain't your beau, is he, Aunt Florence?" she asked.
Florence smiled and blushed.