Near her own door she met Paul on anxious lookout for her.
"I was beginning to imagine a fine bunch of horrors," he said. "Amy hadn't a ghost of a notion what was up."
"I did not tell Amy I should be late," Jean replied. She offered no explanations, but Paul's concern was grateful after what she had undergone, and she added, "I'm sorry you worried."
He eyed her narrowly, pausing an instant at the steps.
"Any need for a man of my build?" he inquired.
"Why do you ask that?"
"Because I think you're in trouble. If I can help—"
"No, no," she returned hastily. "But thank you."
"Something has happened?"
"Yes; at the store. I can't very well explain it."