His reflections were interrupted by an influx of some of the passengers, who now began to collect, having impeded the efforts of the railway officials as much as possible by their attempts to afford assistance; they were all exceedingly talkative and hungry, not to say hilarious, from the reaction of their escape. The refreshments which had been sent for had now arrived, and the little station looked quite crowded. In the midst of the buzz of voices, while all except Wilton were gathered round the table discussing the viands placed thereon, he observed the door of the ladies' room open gently and his _protégé_ appear, his cloak over one shoulder, and trailing behind. Wilton immediately went toward her. "I cannot sleep," she said; "I dozed a little just at first, but now I am quite awake and restless." "That's bad," returned Wilton. "Will you come in here and sit by the fire?" "Oh no!" shrinking back, "not among all those people." "Well, it would not be very pleasant; but shall you not be very cold?" "Not if you will still allow me to have your cloak." "Certainly; and I hope we shall not be kept much longer. Could we not get you a fire here?" and he walked in unceremoniously. "I do not think even you could manage that," she returned, with a quiet smile, as she placed herself at a table under the gaslight, and opened a large note-book, as if about to make some entries. "Not a strong-minded female taking notes, I hope," thought Wilton. "She is far too pretty for that." "No," said he, aloud, as he observed there was no fireplace. "With all the will imaginable, I cannot manage a fire; but can I do nothing more? I must insist on your taking some wine or tea. They are all devouring out there; and I have had some very tolerable brandy-and-water myself," and Wilton beckoned a waiter to bring some refreshment. "I tell you what you could do for me," said the young lady, suddenly looking up more brightly than she had yet done; "make the station-master come in here and talk--ask him questions. Oh, you know what I mean!" she went on, with a sort of graceful petulance as Wilton looked at her in no small surprise, "anything to make him talk. There, I think I hear him in the next room; please to watch for him and bring him here. I will begin, you can follow me; when I say 'thank you,' send him away--there, please to catch him." Wilton, greatly wondering that the first signs of animation in his interesting companion should be aroused by so rugged and commonplace a subject, hastened to obey, and soon returned with the functionary. "Oh!" said the lady, bending her head with such a proud yet gracious air that the man involuntarily removed his hat. "Pray tell me, is there really no serious injury? I should be more satisfied were I assured by you." "Well, mum, I am happy to say there is no one much hurt to speak of," etc., etc.