you to my
own room at once, poor as it is. Perhaps I should have sought advice
from Mrs. Thorpe. Perhaps I should have insisted on a hotel, for a few
days, until we could look about. At least, we might have had a cab. I
have been most inconsiderate. I am so strong in the new hope and
strength you have given me that I haven't thought enough for you. My
poor, tired Phyllis."

He held her hands; his face contrite. She was too dispirited for words,
but she patted his hand softly.

As they sat there, John saw a lighted shop-window, not fifty yards
distant.

"Sit here and rest, darling, while I run over there and inquire for any
lodgings in this vicinity. If there are none, I will call a cab and we
will go to a hotel. Think of the beautiful dinner we shall have. Our
wedding dinner, dearest! I warn you I mean to be extravagant." He leaned
over her and kissed her, and then ran across the street.

Then she allowed herself to cry for the first time. Poor, sad, tired
little bride, whose wedding day had been so different from all her
girlish dreams of it. She cried quietly, on the bench, alone, in the
darkness. She was cold and tired and lonely.

John came back on the run, from the opposite direction.

"I inquired at the bookseller's shop," said he. "He directed me to the
house in which he lodges himself. He recommended it so highly I thought
I would leave you alone for a few minutes longer and see the rooms.
Phyllis, I really believe I have found what we want. There are three
rooms, though one is very small. There is the coziest little
sitting-room, with a fireplace and an easy-chair. Adjoining it is a
smaller room. But the bedroom is large, and has two windows. The place
is spotlessly clean. And the woman who lets the rooms is a wholesome,
good-hearted soul; I am sure you will like her. The terms are a
little--well, just a little higher; but the woman says, of course, that
is to be expected--with the view of the square from our windows."

John looked at Phyllis doubtfully. "Do you think, dearest, that you
could see these for yourself? It isn't far, and I will not ask you to
look at another place if you don't like this one."

She drew new courage from his hopefulness They walked the length of the
little square.

John rang. The door opened, and a motherly looking woman stood aside to
let them enter. Phyllis stood directly below a flaring gas-jet, as she
turned to wait for their conductress.

The woman screamed and her