The lad's face flushed all over. He was divided between his anxiety for
his sister, whom he really loved, and his reluctance for Gladys to see
his home. But the first prevailed.

'If it wouldn't be an awful trouble to you,' he said; and Gladys smiled
as she gave her head a quick shake.

'No trouble; I shall be so glad. Tell me where to find the place, and
I'll go after dinner, before it is dark. Uncle Abel says I must not go
out after dark, you know.'

'It's a long way from here, and you'll have to take two cars.'

'I know the Bridgeton car; but may I not walk?'

'No; please take these pennies. When you are going to see my sister, I
should pay. Yes, take them; I want you to.'

Gladys took the coppers, and put them in her pocket. She knew very well
they would reduce the hoard he was gathering for the purchase of a
coveted book, but she felt that in accepting them she was conferring a
rare pleasure on him. And it was so. Never was subject prouder of a gift
accepted by a sovereign than Walter Hepburn of the fact that that day
Gladys should ride in comfort through the wet streets at his expense. It
was another memory for the after years.

In the afternoon, accordingly, Gladys dressed and went out. Her uncle
had provided her with a warm winter cloak, which enveloped her from head
to foot. It was not new. Had Gladys known where it came from, and who