"It's a long way up yet! Hadn't you better let me take it?"
"Not for worlds!" he answered.
"Isn't it getting heavier?" she enquired, as they climbed the next
flight.
"Decidedly heavier!"
"Then please," said she, slackening her pace, "please let me take it!"
"On the contrary," he answered, his gaze on her slender foot and ankle,
"I should like to carry it for you all my--er--ah, that is--I mean--"
Mr. Ravenslee was stammering again.
"Yes?"
He was aware that the shapely foot had faltered in its going.
"As often as I may, Miss Hermione."
Hereupon the shapely foot halted altogether, and once again she turned
to look at him in wide-eyed surprise.
"You know my name?"
"I learned it from Arthur, and--I shall never forget it!"
"Why not?"
"Well, because it is rather uncommon and--very beautiful!"
"Oh!" said Hermione, and went on up the stair again, yet not before he
had seen the flush was back in her cheek.
"Are you getting tired yet?" she enquired, without looking round.
"Not appreciably," he answered, "but if you think I need a rest--"
"No, no!" she laughed, "we should never get off these frightful stairs!"
"Even that might have its compensations!" he murmured.
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