Fiction > Book editions > New York, 1885 - Dynamiter

24 TBE SQUIRE OF DAMES.
corner he had her once more full in view. Her
speed was failing like a stricken bird's. Even
as he looked, she threw her arm out gropingly,
and fell and leaned against the wall. At the
spectacle, Challoner's fortitude gave way. In
a few strides he overtook her and, for the first
time removing his hat, assured her in the most
moving terms of his entire respect and firm
desire to help her. He spoke at first unheeded;
but gradually it appeared that she began to
comprehend his words ; she moved a little, and
drew herself upright ; and finally, as with a
sudden movement of forgiveness, turned on the
young man a countenance in which I'eproach
and gratitude were mingled. "Ah, madam,"
he cried, "use me as you will!" And once
more, but now with a great air of deference, he
offered her the conduct of his arm. She took
it with a sigh that struclv him to the heart ;
and they began once more to trace the deserted
streets. But now her steps, as though exhausted
by emotion, began to linger on the way ; she
leaned the more heavily ^ipon his arm ; and he,
like the parent bird, stooped fondly above his
drooping convoy. Her physical distress was
not accompanied by any failing of her spirits ;
and hearing her strike so soon into a playful
and charming vein of talk, Challoner could not
sufficiently admire the elasticity of his com-
panion's nature. "Let me forget," she had