terrors. In time, however, and above all
by their quick pace of walking, the pair began to rise to firmer
spirits; the lady ceased to peer about the corners; and Challoner,
emboldened by the resonant tread and distant figure of a constable,
returned to the charge with more of spirit and directness.

"I thought," he said, in the tone of conversation, "that I had
indistinctly perceived you leaving a villa in the company of two
gentlemen."

"Oh!" she said, "you need not fear to wound me by the truth. You saw me
flee from a common lodging-house, and my companions were not gentlemen.
In such a case, the best of compliments is to be frank."

"I thought," resumed Challoner, encouraged as much as he was surprised
by the spirit of her reply, "to have perceived, besides, a certain
odour. A noise, too--I do not know to what I should compare it----"

"Silence!" she cried. "You do not know the danger you invoke. Wait, only
wait; and as soon as we have left those streets and got beyond the reach
of listeners, all shall be explained. Meanwhile, avoid the topic. What a
sight is this sleeping city!" she exclaimed; and then, with a most
thrilling voice, "'Dear God,'" she quoted, "'the very houses seem
asleep, and all that mighty heart is lying still.'"

"I perceive, madam," said he, "you are a reader."

"I am more than that," she answered, with a sigh. "I am a girl condemned
to thoughts beyond her age; and so untoward is my fate, that this walk
upon the arm of a stranger is like an interlude of peace."

They had come by this time to the neighbourhood of the Victoria Station;
and here, at a street corner, the young lady paused, withdrew her arm
from Challoner's, and looked up and down as though in pain or
indecision. Then, with a lovely change of countenance, and laying her
gloved hand upon his arm:

"What you already think of me," she said, "I tremble to conceive; yet I
must here condemn myself still further. Here I must leave you, and here
I beseech you to wait for my return. Do not attempt to follow me or spy
upon my actions. Suspend yet awhile your judgment of a girl as innocent
as your own sister; and do not, above all, desert me. Stranger as you
are, I have none else to look to. You see me in sorrow and great fear;
you are a gentleman, courteous and kind; and when I beg for a few
minutes' patience, I make sure beforehand you will not deny me."

Challoner grudgingly promised; and the young lady, with a grateful
eye-shot, va