ynthia.

The audacity of the assertion took away Hubert's breath. He looked at
her pityingly.

"My dear Miss West, are you aware that singing is a profession in
itself, and requires a professional training, like other things?"

"Yes. But I can sing," said the girl decidedly.

"Where did you learn?"

"At school, and then of an old music-master in the boarding-house where
I am living."

If he had not been afraid of wounding her feelings, Hubert would have
shrugged his shoulders. They were again standing on the pavement, face
to face, and he refrained from the scornful gesture.

"Well," he said, after a short pause, "if you think so, there is nothing
to do but to try you. I must hear you sing, Miss West, before I can say
anything about a musical engagement. Shall I come and see you
to-morrow?"

"Oh, no!" said Cynthia, with such transparent horror at the suggestion
that Mr. Lepel was very much amused. "We have no piano, and I am sure
that Mrs. Wadsley would not like it."

"Then will you come to my rooms at twelve o'clock to-morrow morning?"

"Thank you. Oh, Mr. Lepel, I am so very, very much obliged to you!"

"I have done nothing yet to merit thanks, Miss West. I shall be only
glad if I can be the means of assisting a fellow-artist out of a
difficulty." He saw that the words brought a bright glow of gratified
feeling to the girl's face. "Here is my card; my rooms are not very far
off, you see--in Russell square."

Cynthia took the card and thanked him again so warmly that Hubert
assured her that he was already overpaid. They had reached the broad
torrent of life that rolls down New Oxford street, and further
conversation became almost impossible. Hubert bent his head to say--

"Shall I put you into a cab now, or may I see you home?"

"Neither, thank you," she said, shaking her head. "I am quite well used
to going about alone; and it is a very little way. Good night; and I am
so much obliged to you!"

"Let me see you over this crossing, at any rate," said Hubert.

She was too quick for him; she had already plunged into the tide, and he
saw her the next moment halting on the central resting-place of the
broad thoroughfare. He attempted to follow, but was too late, and had to
wait a moment or two for a couple of heavy carts. When the road was
clear again, he saw that she had safely reached the other side; and, as
soon as he had crossed, he dimly perceived her graceful figure some
distance ahead on the sombr