“Oh, Mrs. Carrington,” pleaded Frank. “I beg of you!--it is I who am being overwhelmed now. You will make me so vain I will really begin to think I did something of consequence. Why, there isn’t a young fellow anywhere who wouldn’t hasten to help ladies in distress.” “Don’t belittle what you did,” said Mrs. Carrington, and her face and tone grew very serious. “You did so much of consequence, Mr. Durham, and you did it so manfully and nobly that I would not think of affronting you with any offer of a reward. I fancy I read you deeper than you think as to that feature. I will say this, however, and I came here especially to say it, that I am your true friend and I am anxious to help you and your young companions in a practical, useful way.” “You are very, very kind to say what you do,” said Frank earnestly. “Let me be really kind,” suggested Mrs. Carrington, “and I shall be satisfied. My nephew has told me enough about your business plans to convince me that you are at a critical point in your career, where a little capital may be everything to you. I am a wealthy woman, Mr. Durham. I do not wish to offer you a gift. Simply as a business woman who has confidence in you, let me know about your affairs and help you in a business way.” Frank’s head drooped. The boy who never flinched from pain or fear was so deeply moved by the friendly interest of this kind-hearted woman, that he could not keep back a long-drawn sigh of appreciation and gratitude. “You make me think of my own kind mother,” said Frank quite brokenly. “It is worth living to find such friends.” “You dear boy!” cried Mrs. Carrington, placing a hand on Frank’s arm, “I can imagine what a lovely mother you must have and for her sake you must let me help you along in your business enterprise. Come, Mr. Durham, explain your needs to me and let me co-operate with you.” The invitation was irresistible. Long since Frank had calculated all the risks and chances of success in his new enterprise and had decided that it could scarcely fail. “Mrs. Carrington,” he said in a straightforward way, “I would not allow any person to invest money in a business where there was the remotest risk of loss. We lack a few hundred dollars to start a photo playhouse at Seaside Park in the right way. If you feel in a position to advance it or become responsible for what we need, I wish to secure you so that in case the venture goes wrong we will be the only losers.” “I not only feel willing to assist you,” said Mrs. Carrington, “but I insist upon it. It is very simple--how much capital do you require? Have you my check book in your hand bag, Miss Porter?” “No! no! no!” interrupted Frank urgently, “you must not think of doing such a thing as that, Mrs. Carrington. It isn’t business, you see. If you have some agent or lawyer who will act for you, that will be the best way.”