e saw there was Trefusis, close beside her.

"I am going to town by this train, Gertrude," he said quickly. "Let
me take charge of you. I have something to say, for I hear that some
mischief has been made between us which must be stopped at once. You--"

Just then Sir Charles came out, and stood amazed to see them in
conversation.

"It happens that I am going by this train," said Trefusis. "I will see
after Miss Lindsay."

"Miss Lindsay has her maid with her," said Sir Charles, almost
stammering, and looking at Gertrude, whose expression was inscrutable.

"We can get into the Pullman car," said Trefusis. "There we shall be as
private as in a corner of a crowded drawing-room. I may travel with you,
may I not?" he said, seeing Sir Charles's disturbed look, and turning to
her for express permission.

She felt that to deny him would be to throw away her last chance of
happiness. Nevertheless she resolved to do it, though she should die
of grief on the way to London. As she raised her head to forbid him the
more emphatically, she met his gaze, which was grave and expectant. For
an instant she lost her presence of mind, and in that instant said,
"Yes. I shall be very glad."

"Well, if that is the case," said Sir Charles, in the tone of one whose
sympathy had been alienated by an unpardonable outrage, "there can
be no use in my waiting. I leave you in the hands of Mr. Trefusis.
Good-bye, Miss Lindsay."

Gertrude winced. Unkindness from a man usually kind proved hard to bear
at parting. She was offering him her hand in silence when Trefusis said:

"Wait and see us off. If we chance to be killed on the journey--which
is always probable on an English railway--you will reproach yourself
afterwards if you do not see the last of us. Here is the train; it will
not delay you a minute. Tell Erskine that you saw me here; that I have
not forgotten my promise, and that he may rely on me. Get in at this
end, Miss Lindsay."

"My maid," said Gertrude hesitating; for she had not intended to travel
so expensively. "She--"

"She comes with us to take care of me; I have tickets for everybody,"
said Trefusis, handing the woman in.

"But--"

"Take your seats, please," said the guard. "Going by the train, sir?"

"Good-bye, Sir Charles. Give my love to Lady Brandon, and Agatha, and
the dear children; and thanks so much for a very pleasant--" Here the
train moved off, and Sir Charles, melting, smiled and waved his hat
until he caugh