“Miss Rosa, a few minutes ago you called me your friend.” My voice was emotional; I felt it.

“I did, because you are. I have no claim on you, but you have been very good to me.”

“You have the best claim on me. Will you rely on me?”

We looked at each other.

“I will,” she said. I stood before her, and she took my hand.

“You say you fear. I hope your fears are groundless — candidly, I can’t see how they can be otherwise. But suppose anything should happen. Well, I shall be at your service.”

At that moment some one knocked and entered. It was Yvette. She avoided my glance.