Decidedly she was in great trouble of some sort, and it wasn't because she could not pay a restaurant check.

Women--and especially New York women--do not shed tears when a stranger offers to settle for their dinner checks.
"If you will kindly explain to me what the trouble is," visibly embarrassed, "perhaps I can help you.

Have you run away from home ?" he asked.
A negative nod.
"Are you married ?" Another negative nod.
Warrington scratched his chin.

"Have you done anything wrong ?" A decided negative shake of the head.

At any other time the gesticulation of the ostrich plume, so close to his face, would have amused him; but there was something eminently pathetic in the diapasm which drifted toward him from the feather.
"Come, come; you may trust me thoroughly.