They had another moment alone when she slipped her address in his hand and described rapidly the way to reach her home. "Now I know you never broke your word," she whispered as she stepped back in the basement again.
Fearing that the slight delay she had caused in the running time of the elevator might arouse some criticism, she summoned all her courage, drew herself up with a more impressive air than she had ever yet assumed, and addressed the starter.
"I was glad to recognize that elevator boy of yours," she said with condescension, "he comes from my home town."
"Yes, Madam," the man answered.
"He is thoroughly trustworthy," she went on, "I know, for he has worked in my family."
"I thought he was a good boy," the man said, bowing to her, "but we are always grateful for further references."
Hertha nodded and made her way out.
It was not until she was almost at her doorstep that she remembered that she had failed to buy the top.
"I'm glad I didn't tell Bob I was getting it for him," she thought remorsefully, "but how should I remember it when I met Tom-of-the-Woods himself!"
During dinner, Mrs. Pickens, as she looked at Hertha from time to time, sitting silently in her place, thought she had never seemed so lovely. Too often of late she had been worried and tired; to-night her face expressed a glad content, her pale cheeks were pink with color, and every now and then a look of expectancy came into her eyes. Something had happened, of this her landlady felt sure, and she regretted that she was going out and could not properly interrogate her pretty boarder.