"You got no thanks for your trouble?"
"None at all. I thought he would have been kinder when he recovered."
"Then," said the young man, laughing; "the man is not to be cured.
You must leave him."
"I have done so."
"And you are seeking a home and a protector?"
"I want to earn my living somewhere."
"A pretty young thing like you," said the stranger, "cannot fail to make her way. Come! I have offered you my aid," he put his arm round her and attempted to snatch a kiss.
"So!" exclaimed Mehetabel, starting to her feet. "This is the friend and protector you would be! I trusted you with my troubles, and you have taken advantage of my trust. Let me alone! Wherever I turn there hell hath opened her mouth! A moment ago I thought of ending all my troubles in this pond—that a thousand times before trusting you further."
With beating heart—beating with anger—proudly raising her weary head, she walked away.