Course I'm much obliged to you, but, honest, you hadn't ought to take the risk." Mrs.Armstrong smiled slightly, but hers was a forced smile.

What she had just heard, told in her guest's quaint language as a statement of fact and so obviously with no thought of effect, had touched her more than any plea for sympathy could have done.

She felt as if she had a glimpse into this man's simple, trusting, sensitive soul.

And with that glimpse came a new feeling toward him, a feeling of pity--yes, and more than that, a feeling of genuine respect.
He sighed again and rose to go.

"I declare," he said, apologetically, "I don't know what I've been botherin' you with all this for.