“You are scarcely strong enough, I am afraid, dear lady,” he said, kindly. “You had better let me carry you. I assure you I am quite equal to it, or even a more weighty burden, if necessity required.”
“Thank you, sir,” said the faint voice, faintly; “but I would rather walk. Where are you taking me to?”
“To your own house, if you wish—it is quite close at hand.”
“Yes. Yes. Let us go there! Prudence is there, and she will take care of me.”.
“Will she?” said Ormiston, doubtfully. “I hope you do not suffer much pain!”
“I do not suffer at all,” she said, wearily; “only I am so tired. Oh, I wish I were home!”
Ormiston half led, half lifted her up the stairs.
“You are almost there, dear lady—see, it is close at hand!”
She half lifted her languid eyes, but did not speak. Leaning panting on his arm, he drew her gently on until they reached her door. It was still unfastened. Prudence had kept her word, and not gone near it; and he opened it, and helped her in.
“Where now?” he asked.