She shrank back as though Lily's presence flashed too sudden a light upon her misery.

Then she heard her name in a cry, had a glimpse of her friend's face, and felt herself caught and clung to.
"Lily--what is it ?" she exclaimed.
Miss Bart released her, and stood breathing brokenly, like one who has gained shelter after a long flight.
"I was so cold--I couldn't go home.

Have you a fire ?" Gerty's compassionate instincts, responding to the swift call of habit, swept aside all her reluctances.

Lily was simply some one who needed help--for what reason, there was no time to pause and conjecture: disciplined sympathy checked the wonder on Gerty's lips, and made her draw her friend silently into the sitting-room and seat her by the darkened hearth.
"There is kindling wood here: the fire will burn in a minute." She knelt down, and the flame leapt under her rapid hands.

It flashed strangely through the tears which still blurred her eyes, and smote on the white ruin of Lily's face.