The lady was
evidently in that predicament. Once more she searched for her purse, but
her search was unavailing.
"I am afraid I have lost my purse," she said, apologetically, to the
conductor.
This official was an ill-mannered person, and answered, rudely:
"In that case, ma'am, you will have to get off."
"I will give you my card," said the lady, "and will send double the fare
to the office."
"That won't do," said the man, rudely. "I am responsible for your fare,
if you stay on the car, and I can't afford to lose the money."
"You shall not lose it, sir; but I cannot walk home."
"I think you will have to, madam."
Here Frank interposed. He had been trained to be polite and considerate
to ladies, and he could not endure to see a lady treated with rudeness.
"Take the lady's fare out of this," he said.
"And the boy's, too?"
"Of course."
The lady smiled gratefully.
"I accept your kindness, my young friend," she said. "You have saved me
much annoyance."
"I am very glad to have had the opportunity," said Frank, politely.
"Of course, I shall insist upon reimbursing you. Will you oblige me with
your address, that I may send you the amount when I return home?"
A boy of less tact than Frank would have expostulated against repayment,
but he knew that this would only embarrass the lady, and that he had no
right, being a stranger, to force such a favor upon her.
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