h myself--I must have
somebody with me, and I'm so glad to get the chance of
introducing you to some of my people. You'll know them all, I
hope, before long."

"Of course I should like it very much, if you are sure it's all
right."

Tom was perfectly sure as usual, and so the matter was arranged.
Hardy was very much pleased and gratified at this proof of his
friend's confidence; and I am not going to say that he did not
shave again, and pay most unwonted attention to his toilet before
the hour fixed for Tom's return. The fame of Brown's lionesses
had spread through St. Ambrose's already, and Hardy had heard of
them as well as other men. There was something so unusual to him
in be ing selected on such an occasion, when the smartest men in
the college were wishing and plotting for that which came to him
unasked, that he may be pardoned for feeling something a little
like vanity, while he adjusted the coat which Tom had recently
thought of with such complacency, and looked in the glass to see
that his gown hung gracefully. The effect on the whole was so
good, that Tom was above measure astonished when he came back,
and could not help indulging in some gentle chaff as they walked
towards the High-street arm in arm.

The young ladies were quite rested, and sitting dressed and ready
for their walk, when Tom and Hardy were announced, and entered
the room. Miss Winter rose up, surprised and a little embarrassed
at the introduction of a total stranger in her father's absence.
But she put a good face on the matter, as became a well-bred
young woman, though she secretly resolved to lecture Tom in
private, as he introduced "My great friend, Mr. Hardy, of our
college. My cousins." Mary dropped a pretty little demure
courtesy, lifting her eyes for one moment for a glance at Tom
which said as plain as look could speak, "Well, I must say you
are making the most of your new-found relationship." He was a
little put out for a moment, but then recovered himself, and said
apologetically,

"Mr. Hardy is a bachelor, Kate--I mean a Bachelor of Arts, and he
knows all the people by sight up here. We couldn't have gone to
the Walk without some one to show us the lions."

"Indeed, I'm afraid you give me too much credit," said Hardy. "I
know most of our dons by sight, certainly, but scarcely any of
the visitors."

The awkwardness of Tom's attempted explanation set everything
wrong again.

Then came one of those awkward pauses which wil