She kept close to the wall, and scudded along swiftly that no one might recognize her.

All at once a young man whom she had passed turned and walked along by her side, making a shy clutch at her arm.
"Oh, it's you," she said, wearily.
"Yes; do you care if I walk along with you ?" "No," said Rose, "not if you want to." An old pang of gratitude came over her.

It was only the honest, overgrown boy, Tommy Ray, of the store.

She had known he worshipped her afar off; she had laughed at him and half despised him, but now she felt suddenly humble and grateful for even this devotion.

She moved her arm that he might hold it more closely.
"It's too dark for you to be out alone," he said, in his embarrassed, tender voice.
"Yes, it's pretty dark," said Rose.