A FRIEND IN NEED.
Ruth Patton recovered herself by a great effort. "I won't trouble you
any longer, sir," she faltered. "I think I can do without further
assistance."
"Excuse me for doubting it. You look very weak. Take my arm. There is a
drug store not far away where I can procure you a strengthening
draught."
"I am sorry to trouble you so much," she murmured apologetically.
"It is no trouble, I assure you. I count myself fortunate in being on
hand so opportunely."
Ruth for the first time, encouraged by his kind words, stole a glance
at the stranger. He was a well made and unusually handsome young man of
perhaps twenty-seven. His careful dress and something in his manner
seemed to indicate high social position. The indication corresponded
with the fact. Alfred Lindsay belonged to an old and distinguished New
York family. Though his means were ample he was not content to be an
idler, but after careful preparation at Columbia College and Law
School, he had opened a law office in the Mills Building, and was
already beginning to be known as a young man with a future.
His wealth and high social standing led him to be considered a "catch,"
in the matrimonial market. It is safe to say that at least half a dozen
young ladies had set their caps for him. Among these was Luella
Ferguson, and there were those who considered her chance of landing the
prize the best. At any rate Mr. Lindsay, who had been employed by the
elder Ferguson in some legal matter, became a frequent caller, to the
great satisfaction of Luella Ferguson. It may not be considered a mark
of taste on the part of the young man to have fallen a victim to the
young lady's arts, but in his presence she was all that was amiable.
She was not without a certain attractiveness of face, which, had it
been joined to an equally agreeable disposition, might have proved a
good excuse to any young man for succumbing to her fascinations. Never
for a moment had he cause to suspect that she was otherwise than she
seemed. Kind and sympathetic himself, the absence of these qualities,
if known to him, would have rendered her repulsive to him.
He conducted Ruth to a drug store, and the druggist administered
restoratives that soon brought back her strength and color, but not her
cheerfulness.
"I am strong enough now to go on my way," she said rising. "How can I
thank you, sir, for your kindness?"
"By allowing me to see you to your own door," and this he insisted on
despite Ruth's protest.
"Would it be indiscreet," he asked, when they had set out on their way,
"to ask if you can account for your sudden illness?"
"I had a shock," she answered.
"Of what sort? Are you willing to make me your confidant? I do not ask
out of curiosity, but because it may be in my power to serve you."
"I have so few friends that I will not decline your kind offer."
"You were coming from the house of Mr. Robert Ferguson?"
"Yes, sir; do you know him?"
"Quite well. I was myself going there."
"Is he considered--an honorable man?"
"Why, surely. What can lead you to doubt it?"
In answer Ruth told her story. The young lawyer listened in pained
surprise. Strictly honorable himself, he found it hard to believe that
a man whom he knew so well could be guilty of the meanness of
defrauding two women whose interests had been confided to him. Yet the
story seemed probable. Moreover, even had matters been as Mr. Ferguson
represented, his want of feeling seemed almost as bad as absolute
dishonesty. He asked Ruth several questions in order that he might
become fully possessed of all particulars.
"This, then, was the cause of your agitation?" he said at length.
"Not wholly. It was the treatment I received from Miss Ferguson that
affected me most."
"Miss Ferguson! Do you know Miss Ferguson?" Lindsay asked quickly.
"I met her for the first time yesterday afternoon."
"Where--may I ask?"
"In the Erie train. I entered the cars at Port Jervis. She was already
on board, but I do not know from what point she had come."
"I think I know. She had been visiting a school friend at Binghamton."
"You know her, then?"
"Yes. I met her at a party about a year since."
"If she is a friend of yours I will not say anything to her
disadvantage."
"But I want you to tell me all there is to tell. I have a special
reason for learning all I can about her. You say she treated you ill?"
"She treated me cruelly. She took offense in the cars because the
conductor removed her dog from a seat in order to make room for me."
"Was there no other seat in the car?"
"None, or I would not have disturbed her. I did not like to stand all
the way from Port Jervis to New York."
"Of course not. Please favor me with the particulars."
The young man listened attentively while Ruth in simple language--not
exaggerating in any respect--told her story. Young Lindsay's brow
contracted, for he felt indignant at the cold selfishness shown by the
young lady who had hitherto attracted him. He felt that, if it were all
true, he could never again look upon her even with ordinary friendship.
"She feigned to look upon me as a servant," Ruth concluded, "and
sharply rebuked me for thrusting myself upon her. I would gladly have
taken another seat had any been unoccupied, but the car was full. I
heard from the train boy that it was on account of an excursion to
Shohola Glen."
"I confess, Miss Patton" (Ruth had told her name), "I am surprised and
pained by what you have told me. I never knew that Luella--Miss
Ferguson--had such unlovely traits. To me she has always seemed kind
and considerate."
Looking in the young man's expressive face, Ruth Patton felt that she
understood better than he why Miss Ferguson had assumed to be what she
was not. She was not surprised that Luella should desire to make a
favorable impression upon one who seemed to her the most attractive
young man she had ever met. But of course she could not give utterance
to the thought that was in her mind, and remained silent.
"To change the subject," said Lindsay, after a pause, "may I ask what
are your plans if you have any?"
"I must try to earn some money. If--if you would advise me."
"With pleasure. Let me ask, first, what you can do."
"I used to do some copying for a lawyer at Port Jervis."
"You are used, then, to copying legal documents?"
"I have done considerable of it."
"You do not use the typewriter?"
"No, I have never learned."
Alfred Lindsay paused, and his expressive face showed that he was busy
thinking.
"I am a lawyer," he said at length, "and I have copying to do, of
course. Would you mind calling upon me at my office to-morrow morning?"
"I shall be very glad to do so," answered Ruth, her eyes lighting up
with new-born hopes.
"I think I can promise you something to do."
"Oh, sir, you don't know how your words cheer me. This is where I live.
Thank you very much for your kind escort."
"Don't mention it. I will expect you to-morrow," and the young man took
off his hat as respectfully as if Ruth, instead of being a poor girl in
search of work, were a lady in his own set.