Maria looked at her little satchel, which she had left beside her former chair.
“Is that all?” asked Miss Blair.
“Yes.”
“You must certainly not think of trying to go to a hotel at this time of night,” said the dwarf. “You must go home with me. I am entirely safe. Even your mother would trust you with me, if you have one.”
“I have not, nor father, either,” replied Maria. “But I am not afraid to trust you for myself.”
A pleased expression transfigured Miss Blair's face. “You do not distrust me and you do not shrink from me?” she said.
“No,” replied Maria, looking at her with indescribable gratitude.
“Then it is settled,” said the dwarf. “You will come home with me. I expect my carriage when we arrive at the station. You will be entirely safe. You need not look as frightened as you did a few moments ago again. Come home with me to-night; then we will see what can be done.”
Miss Blair turned her face towards the window. Her big chair almost swallowed her tiny figure, the sardonic expression had entirely left her face, which appeared at once noble and loving. Maria gazed at her as she sat so, with an odd, inverted admiration. It seemed extraordinary to her she should actually admire any one like this deformed little creature, but admire her she did. It was as if she suddenly had become possessed of a sixth sense for an enormity of beauty beyond the usual standards.
Miss Blair glanced at her and saw the look in her eyes, and a look of triumph came into her own. She bent forward towards Maria.