"Yes," she answered, wondering what she wanted of her.
"You don't know me," went on the woman, "but I have heard of you from—from friends of mine—that is, the Wilkinsons."
"You refer to the Peter V. Wilkinsons, I suppose," returned Elinor, icily; and without waiting for an answer added: "They are no friends of mine, and you must excuse me.... You can't possibly have anything of interest to say to me," she finished, and started to go. But the stranger, advancing in such a way as to bar her passage, pleaded for a hearing.
"I know that," she explained. "But I merely wanted to get your attention, wanted some excuse for my interference. I wanted to help you, if I could. I know more about New York—all about New York. I can assist you in many ways. Won't you let me?" she concluded insistently.
Elinor was all attention.
"You mean that you can help my father?" she inquired.
The woman appeared to hesitate. At length she whispered "Yes."
"But how can you?"
"In many ways. I might be able to find some clue—anyhow, I want to help—him, of course, but particularly you."
Elinor looked dubious; nevertheless she suggested: