At length the stranger was seized with a fit of coughing as the dust invaded his throat, and he stood for a moment to rest from his labors.
Then for the first time he noticed the little girl standing smiling in the doorway.
He gave her an answering smile, lifted his hat and, to Laura's dismay, crossed over to her side.
He was very dark and foreign looking; she recognized him as one of the gentlemen whom she and Ivy had noticed on the street.
"Pardon, mademoiselle," he said; "but perhaps you are the good fairy to help me out!"
Laura answered him with a blush and a look of inquiry.
"The dust, c'est terrible," he went on to explain; "but there is no one to remove it from the seats. The ladies will have fear for their beautiful costumes. Can you not direct me to someone who will manipulate this woman's weapon? I confess it is beyond my powers!"
He glanced so ruefully at the feather brush that Laura laughed aloud.
"Why, I can dust the benches in a little while, if you wish!"
"Did not my heart tell me you were my good angel? Oh, mademoiselle, if you will be so kind!"