As Keith, bag in hand, swung past her with the rest, he instinctively turned and offered his services to help carry her parcels.

She panted her thanks, but declined briefly, declaring that she should do very well.
"You may be doing very well," Keith said pleasantly, "but you will do better if you will let me help you." "No, thank you." This time more firmly than before.

"I am quite used to helping myself, and am not old enough for that yet.

I prefer to carry my own baggage," she added with emphasis.
"It is not the question of age, I hope, that gives me the privilege of helping a lady," said Keith.

He was already trying to relieve her of her largest bag and one or two bundles.
A keen glance from a pair of very bright eyes was shot at him.
"Well, I will let you take that side of that bag and this bundle--no; that one.