Happily--because he seemed unable to reach it himself--a young girl just emerging from the drug-store saw his plight and stooping for the stick, handed it to him.

He received it with a smile, and while it was yet in both of their hands, said in the most matter-of-fact way in the world: "Thank you, little Miss Duclos." Then suddenly: "Where's your aunt ?" She did not stop to think.

She did not stop to ask herself what this question meant or whether this old gentleman who seemed to know so much about her and the family's secrets had a right to ask it, but blurted out in nervous haste as if she knew of nothing else to do, "She's gone," and then started to run away.
"Come back, little one." His tone was very imperative, but for all that of a nature to win upon a frightened child.

"I know she's gone," he added soothingly as she looked back, hesitating.

"And I'm sorry, for I have something for her.