Promise me tomorrow by Unknown Page B

put her hand in the crook of his elbow.
    "Good day, gentlemen," he spoke over the top of her head as he started back the way he had come.
    Rusty couldn't have told anyone when they left the dirt of the alley and stepped onto the boardwalk. She kept her hand firmly tucked into Mr. McCandles' arm and tried not to cry. She looked straight ahead and told herself that if she could just get to her room, she could let down.
    It was with near panic that she realized her escort was not taking her to her room. Chase walked into the hotel and started toward the lobby. Rusty's low voice came to him in a panic.
    "Oh, please, Mr. McCandles. Please let me go to my room. I beg of you. Please allow me to go to my room."
    The hand that had been on his arm was suddenly taken in Chase's right hand. His left hand went to her back as he bent low to speak with her but continued to walk.
    "I can't talk with you if I take you to your room. There's a small parlor at the back of the lobby. We'll talk in there."
    To Chase's disappointment there was a man in the parlor, but that didn't stop him. He put Rusty in a chair that would allow her to have her back to the room. He took a chair that would let him see her face. As the other man stood to leave, Chase glanced up long enough to give him a grateful glance. When the door was shut again, Chase turned back to Rusty. Her eyes were on the wall, wide and staring.
    "Are you all right?"
    "Yes, just a little scared." Rusty's hand came to her mouth. She was trembling violently.
    "What did they say to you?"
    "Just that they liked my hair." Rusty looked at him. "They stood so close, and they wouldn't let me pass. I thought I heard the whistle, and you weren't in your room. I thought I would make us miss the train. I'm sorry, Mr. McCandles. I'm so very sorry. "
    "It's all right." Her tears were too much for Chase. Without permission he took her hand. "Don't worry about it anymore, Katherine. It's all over."
    Rusty didn't even hear him. "I must have fallen asleep. I was trying to figure out a way to get you home, and I was so sure I heard the whistle. It was so loud that it woke me. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. "
    "It's all right," he repeated. "I should have told you I was leaving the hotel. Don't worry about it anymore."
    Rusty took a deep breath and tried to do just that. Her gaze traveled to the wall again. There was so much to be thankful for. She'd been frightened and not hurt. Mr. McCandles had come when she needed him most. If she could only concentrate on these things, the Lord would comfort her.
    "I think I'll go to my room now," she said, but then looked at Chase. "In all of this, have we missed the train whistle?"
    "No, and with as late in the day as it is now, I would want us to stay and take a train tomorrow anyway. Will you be comfortable and feel safe in your room tonight?"
    "Yes."
    "Good. I think we should eat in about an hour. Does that work for you?"
    "I'm not sure I'll be too hungry."
    "Would you rather have something in your room?"
    Rusty thought about it, but shook her head. "No. That might give me too much time to think. Does that make sense to you?"
    "Completely."
    Rusty stood and Chase with her. She started toward the door but stopped.
    "I didn't thank you. You came just when I needed you, and I forgot to say thank you." Tears that she could no longer stem flooded her eyes. Again Chase was very moved but thought it was best if he stayed quiet. He was right. Rusty composed herself and moved out the door. Chase retrieved her key and bag and saw her to her room, telling her he would be in his room if she needed him and that he would call for her in one hour's time.
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11
    Rusty was ready when Chase knocked on her door that evening and followed him quietly down the hallway. He had not had a chance to tell her they were dining out of the hotel, but Rusty said nothing as he led the way toward the door. Indeed, she was so quiet that Chase began to be concerned.
    "Were you able to rest for a time?" he