Page:Elizabeth Jordan--Tales of the city room.djvu/172

 before the end came. She pictured to herself that last night, when darkness fell and the storm deepened, and was defied by light and warmth and comfort in all the homes but one. She could see that one.

The door of her office banged cheerfully as the editor of the "Searchlight's" woman's page came in, pulling the collar of her jacket up around her throat.

"Come out to dinner, Ruthie," she called gayly. "I have to work to-night, and I need the cheering influence of your society while I eat."

Then, seeing the girl's face, she stopped suddenly, and her own expression changed.

"Why, what's the matter, dear?" she asked, putting her hand affectionately on her friend's shoulder.

Miss Herrick laid her cheek against it, and closed her eyes with a little sob.

"I should not be a cheerful dinner companion to-night, Helen," she said. "I have just found Miss Hope Abbott."