Geraldine declined his help to walk to the door of the shop. Miss Upton had her arm around her, and though the girl was pale she gave her rescuer a look full of gratitude; and when he pressed her hand she answered the pressure and restored a portion of his equanimity. "I never, never shall forget this happiest day of my life," she said. "And don't forget we are going to get Pete," he responded eagerly, holding her hand close, "and everything is going to come out right." "Yes"--she looked doubtful and frightened; "but if you get Pete don't let your mother see him. She is--she couldn't bear it." "Don't judge her, Geraldine," he begged. "She is glorious. Ask Miss Upton. Just a little--a little shy at first, you know. Miss Upton, you explain, won't you?" "Don't fret, Ben," said Miss Mehitable. "You're the best boy on earth, and I want to hear all about it, for I'm sure you did something wonderful to get her." "Yes, wonderful, Miss Upton!" echoed Geraldine, with another heart-warming smile at her deliverer whose own smile lessened and died as he walked back to his car. By the time he entered it he was frowning, thinking of his "shy" mother. CHAPTER XI Mother and Son Miss Upton had looked upon the parting amenities of the two young people with beaming approval; and Geraldine's first words when they were alone astonished her. As soon as they were inside the shop and the door closed, the young girl looked earnestly into her friend's eyes. Miss Mehitable returned her regard affectionately. The golden hair had been wound up and secured with Mrs. Barry's hairpins. "I wish there were some way by which I need never see him again," she said. "Why, Miss Melody, child, what do you mean? Every word I told you in my letter was true. Perhaps you never got it, but I told you that he is the _finest_--" "Yes, yes, I believe it," was the hasty reply. "I did receive your letter, and some time I'll tell you how, and what a comfort it was to me. Oh, Miss Upton"--the girl threw her arms around the stout figure--"I can't tell you what it means to me for you to take me in; and this is your shop you told me of--" she released Miss Mehitable and looked about--"and I'm going to tend it for you and help you in every way I can. It is paradise--paradise to me, Miss Upton." Her fervor brought a lump to her companion's throat, but she knew that Mrs. Whipp was listening from the sitting-room, and Miss Mehitable did love peace. "Yes, yes, dear child; it'll all come out right," she said vaguely, patting the white shoulder. "I have another good helper and I want you to meet her. Come with me." She led the girl through the shop.