ince, but the journey, with its
changes from steamer to car and car to steamer, is really quite a
serious one for me to take alone, especially as I always get frightened
and lose my presence of mind in the terrible uproar of a steamboat
landing or a railway station."

"Then you should never undertake such a journey alone," said Alden,
compassionately.

"No, I know it. But yet I shall have to do so, unless I can hear of
some party of friends going on in a few days whom I could join," sighed
Mary Grey.

"I am not 'a party of friends,'" smiled Alden; "but I am _one_ friend
who will be pleased to escort you on that journey, as I am myself going
to Philadelphia in a few days."

"_You!_" exclaimed Mary Grey, in well-affected astonishment.

"Yes, madam," replied Alden, with a bow.

"I did not know you ever went North at all," she added, lifting her
eyebrows.

"I never yet have been north of Baltimore, strange to say," smiled Alden
Lytton; "but I am going in a few days to Philadelphia to purchase a law
library, and should be happy to escort you to your place of
destination."

"You are very kind to me, and I am very grateful to you. I accept your
offer, and will try to give you as little trouble on the journey as
possible."

"Oh, do not speak of trouble! There will be none, I assure you," said
Alden, pleasantly.

"You are very good to say so, at all events."

"What day would it suit you to go on?" inquired Alden.

"Any day this week--whenever it will be convenient to you. I am the
obliged party and should consider your convenience."

"Not by any means! Any day this week would suit me equally. So I beg
that you will please yourself alone."

"No."

"Let me be frank with you then and prove how little it really would
matter to me whether we go to-morrow or any day thereafter. I have to
select and fit up a law office, and I have to select and purchase a law
library; and I do not care in the least which I do first," said Alden,
with earnest politeness.

"Then, if it really is a matter of indifference to you, I think we will
go to Philadelphia on Wednesday morning."

"Very well. I will make my arrangements accordingly. This is Monday
night. We have one intervening day. Where shall I call for you on
Wednesday morning?"

"You need not call. I will meet you on the Washington boat."

"Just as you please. I will be there."

The engine shrieked its terrific warning, slackened its speed, and ran
slowly into the st