Both realized that some explanation was forthcoming,
yet neither was quite prepared to force the issue.
"I have no wraps at the hotel," she said, as he attempted to turn that
way. "That was a lie also; let us walk directly down the road."
He indulged in no comment, his eyes perceiving a pathetic pleading in
her upturned face. Suddenly there came to him a belief that the girl
was crying; he could feel the slight tremor of her form against his
own. He glanced furtively at her, only to catch the glitter of a
falling tear. To her evident distress, his heart made instant and
sympathetic response. With all respect influencing the action, his
hand closed warmly over the smaller one on his sleeve.
"Little girl," he said, forgetting the shortness of their acquaintance
in the deep feeling of the moment, "tell me what the trouble is."
"I suppose you think me an awful creature for saying that," she blurted
out, without looking up. "It wasn't ladylike or nice, but--but I
simply could n't help it, Lieutenant Brant."
"You mean your sudden determination to carry me home with you?" he
asked, relieved to think this might prove the entire difficulty.
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