y
with Mrs. Toplady, who suddenly became hurried.

"I shall only just have time," she said, looking at the clock. "I'm
afraid my direction--northward--would only take you more out of your
way."

Dyce saw her to the brougham, watched it drive off. There remained
three minutes before the departure of Miss Tomalin's train. He turned
back into the station; he walked rapidly, and on the platform almost
collided with a heavy old gentleman whom an official was piloting to a
carriage. This warm-faced, pompous-looking person he well knew by
sight. Another moment, and he stood on the step of the compartment
where May had her place. At sight of him, she half rose.

"What is it? Have I forgotten something?"

The compartment was full. Impossible to speak before these listening
people. In ready response to his embarrassed look, May alighted.

"I'm so sorry to have troubled you," said Dyce, with laughing
contrition. "I thought it might amuse you to know that _Mr. Robb_ is in
the train!"

"Really? How I should have liked to be in the same carriage. Perhaps I
should have heard the creature talk. Oh, and this compartment is so
full, so hot! Is it impossible to find a better?"

Dyce rushed at a passing guard. He learnt that, if Miss Tomalin were
willing to change half way on her journey, she could travel at ease;
only the through carriages for Hollingford were packed. To this May at
once consented. Dyce seized her dressing-bag, her umbrella; they sped
to another part of the train, and sprang, both of them, into an empty
first-class.

"This is delightful!" cried the girl. "I _am_ so much obliged to you!"

"Tickets, please."

"Shown already," replied May. "Change of carriage."

The door was slammed, locked. The whistle sounded.

"But we're starting!" May exclaimed. "Quick! Jump out, Mr. Lashmar!"

Dyce sat still, smiling calmly.

"It's too late, I'm afraid I mustn't try to escape by the window."

"Oh, and you have sacrificed yourself just to make me more comfortable!
How inconvenient it will be for you! What a waste of time!"

"Not at all. The best thing that could have happened."

"Well, we have papers at all events." May handed him one. "Pray don't
feel obliged to talk."

"As it happens, I very much wish to talk. Queer thing that I should owe
my opportunity to Robb. I shall never again feel altogether hostile to
that man. I wish you had seen him. He looked apoplectic. This weather
must try him severely."

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