Impulsively she stopped, and faced me, her hands clasped.
"I--I--please--I will say good night, now," she said, endeavoring to speak firmly, yet with no uplifting of the eyes.
Hesitatingly I stood still, feeling strangely embarrassed by this sudden curt dismissal.
"Do--do you mean you wish me to leave you alone on the street at this hour ?" I questioned uneasily.

"At least permit me to see you home safely.

I will not hurt you, or speak a word." There was a tone of earnestness in my plea but she only shook her head decisively, lips pressed close together.

The faint glow of the overhead light rested on the slightly uplifted face, and the sight of her features yielded me fresh confidence.
"You have no cause to feel afraid of me," I went on soberly, in the silence.

"Can't you tell that by my face ?" and I removed my cap, standing before her uncovered.