The action was so natural, so unaffectedly sincere, as to awaken no
resentment.
"I am a young man," I said earnestly, "but I have seen all kinds of
life, both right and wrong, upper and lower. I can realize how easy it
is to sit in a club window, and criticize the people passing along the
street. That is an amusement of fools. The inclination to become one
of that class left me long ago. Now I do not understand why you were
upon the street tonight unattended; why you came to my assistance, or
why you are here with me now. I have no desire to pry into your
secret. I am content to remain grateful, to count this a red-letter
day, because somehow, out of the mystery of the dark, we have thus been
brought together. An old professor used to say all life hinges on
little things, and I believe our chance meeting is going to change both
our lives, and for the better. Without asking a question, or harboring
a suspicion, I have faith in you--is that enough?"
"You mean, you accept me upon trust?"
"Certainly; even as you must accept me. I have no letters of
recommendation."
She was again looking directly toward me, her brown eyes earnest and
fearless.
"I--I confess I like your face," she admitted, "and I believe you have
tried to tell me the truth about yourself, but our situation is so
peculiar, so different from what I have been taught was proper.
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