She uttered a spasmodic cry, turned sharply round, and half ran to the window with every pulse throbbing with excitement, for she felt that the help she had prayed for last night had come. CHAPTER TWENTY ONE. There was no hesitation on the part of Kate Wilton. The dread was gone, and she rapidly drew up the blind and opened the casement window. "You?" she said quickly, as she held out her hands, which were caught at once and held. "Yes; who should it be, my child? Were you afraid that insolent young scoundrel would dare to do such a thing?" "At first," she faltered, and then quickly, "I hardly knew what to think; I was afraid someone was going to break in. Oh, Mr Garstang, why have you come?" He uttered a little laugh. "For the same reason, I suppose, that would make a father who knew his child was in peril act in the same way." "It is very, very kind of you; but you will be heard, and it will only cause fresh trouble." "It can cause no greater than has come to us, my child. I was half-way to London, but I could not go on; so I got out at a station ten miles away, walked into the village close by, and found a fly and a man to drive me over. I wanted to know how you were getting on. Have you seen them again?" "No. I came straight to my room, and have not left it since." "Good girl! That was very brave of you. Then you took my advice." "Of course." "And Master Claud?" He felt her start and shudder. "Don't talk about him, please. But there, I am very grateful to you for being so kind and thoughtful, and for your brave defence." "Brave nonsense, my child!" he said bluntly. "I did as any man of right feeling would have done if he found a ruffian insulting a weak, helpless girl. Kate, my dear, my blood has been boiling ever since. I could not go back and leave you in this state; I was compelled to come and see you and have a little consultation about your future. I felt that I must do it before seeing James Wilton again. Not a very reputable way, this, of coming to a man's house, even if he is a connection of mine; not respectful to you, either, my child, but I felt certain that if I came to the door and asked to see you I should have been refused entrance." "Yes, yes," said Kate, sadly. "I should not have been told of your coming, or I would have insisted upon seeing you." "You would! Brave girl! I like to hear you speak out so firmly. Well, there was nothing for it but for me, middle-aged man as I am, to play the daring gallant at the lady's window--lattice, I ought to say." "Please don't talk like this, Mr Garstang," said Kate. "It does not sound like you to be playful in your manner." "Thank you, my child, you are right; it does not I accept the reproof. Now, then, to be businesslike. You have been thinking deeply, of course, since you have been alone?" "Yes, very, very seriously about my position. Mr Garstang, it is impossible for me to stay here."