Mary Deane put her arm through his to support him.
"I'm afraid,"-- he faltered--"I'm afraid I shall be a burden to you! I don't think I shall be well enough to start again on my way to-morrow." "You won't be allowed to do any such foolish thing!" she answered, with quick decision--"So you can just make up your mind on _that_ score! You must stay here as my guest." "Not a paying one, I fear!" he said, with a pained smile, and a quick glance at her.
She gave a slight gesture of gentle reproach.
"I wouldn't have you on paying terms,"-- she answered; "I don't take in lodgers." "But--but--how do you live ?" He put the question hesitatingly, yet with keen curiosity.
"How do I live?
You mean how do I work for a living?
I am a lace mender, and a bit of a laundress too.

I wash fine muslin gowns, and mend and clean valuable old lace.

It's pretty work and pleasant enough in its way." "Does it pay you well ?" "Oh, quite sufficiently for all my needs.

I don't cost much to keep!" And she laughed--"I'm all by myself, and I was never money-hungry! Now come!--you mustn't talk any more.

You know who I am and what I am,--and we'll have a good long chat to-morrow.