“Madam,” replied the clerk, “as you have no money to pay for your lodging here, I have no right to take you in.”
“Oh, this is dreadful,” said the lady in tones of great distress.
She was a very refined-looking person, with gray hair, a good face, and wore a very handsome dress, but she had on no hat.
The clerk shrugged his shoulders and turned away.
Frank was moved with pity for the lady.
He saw that she was no professional beggar.
Approaching her and doffing his hat, he said politely:
“Excuse me for interfering, madam, but I could not fail hearing what you said. If you will allow me, I would be very glad to pay your expenses at this hotel for a week.”
A cry of joy escaped the woman as she glanced at Frank.
“Thank Heaven!” she muttered. “I am safe—safe!”