particular one has come with a suddenness sufficient to jar anybody's
nerves. Three hours ago I was without responsibility, a mere log adrift
on the current. I 've hardly wakened up yet to the change in conditions.
Here I am a fellow so utterly worthless that I have n't even been able to
take decent care of myself alone, yet all at once the duty fronts me to
double my responsibilities."

Her cheeks reddened.

"No, you are not! Is that then your conception of me? Let me tell you
differently. Just so soon as this city wakes up, I am going to start
forth again and seek work."

The smile I was attempting faded.

"Seek work! I understood you confided yourself to my care."

"Not--not in that way--never!" indignantly. "You had no right to so
construe my words. You--you know I am not like that. I trusted you as a
man; I--I gave you my--my confidence as a friend," her speech growing
swift, and impetuous. "Do not make me sorry. I will not accept your
money; I will never remain dependent upon you, or a burden. I have
regained my courage, and am no longer afraid. All I needed was to know
that I was not all alone--I can fight for the rest."

"Mrs. Bernard," I began quietly, realizing her spirit. "You have given a
wrong meaning to my words; I respect you, believe in you, and merely
desire to help you to the best of my ability. Sit down here, and let us
face this thing squarely together. We must n't act like children, or
close our eyes to facts. For instance--we have both been up all night.