So he struggled through the deserted streets until he had reached his objective point in the broad Second Avenue house.

Miss De Voe was at home, but was "still at dinner." Peter vacillated, wondering what the correct thing was under the circumstances.

The footman, remembering him of old, and servants in those simple days being still open to impressions, suggested that he wait.

Peter gladly accepted the idea.

But he did not wait, for hardly had the footman left him than that functionary returned, to tell Peter that Miss De Voe would see him in the dining-room.
"I asked you to come in here, because I'm sure, after venturing out such a night, you would like an extra cup of coffee," Miss De Voe explained.
"You need not sit at the table.