She found herself in a small and neatly-furnished room. The floor was covered with a bright, warm carpet, a nicely-cushioned chair was drawn before a comfortable fire, and a tray containing refreshments was placed on a little stand in front of it.
The attendant entered behind her and closed the door.
"Allow me to assist you," said she, removing Lily's cloak, and seating her in the easy-chair before the fire.
Lily's lip quivered slightly at the gentle kindness of the woman's tone. Poor girl! harshness and coldness and threatening had become the only familiar sounds to her ears. This woman, though she looked young herself, assumed a motherly tone like one talking to a sick child.
"You would like a cup of tea, I reckon," said she, pouring out the fragrant beverage, and putting in cream and sugar, "and a bit of this toast and cold chicken? You look very cold and tired, my dear."
"Thank you," answered Lily, taking the tea and drinking it thirstily.
After her long fast upon bread and water the food tasted simply delicious to her. She did not know how much its quality was sweetened by the kind looks of her attendant, who sat by and watched her with a good-natured smile on her round and rosy face.
"Perhaps you would like me to help you to bed before I take away the tray," said she, as Lily finished her tea and leaned back wearily in her chair.
"Thanks; presently I will avail myself of your kindness, but now I wish to ask you some questions," said Lily, quietly.
"Yes, miss," said the woman, kindly, but she looked at Lily with a great deal of surprise at her tone.