So did Pen presently, when this agreeable youth was out of sight, begin
to run with his little companion; Mrs. Bolton following after them,
with Captain Costigan at her side. But the Captain was too majestic and
dignified in his movements to run for friend or enemy, and he pursued
his course with the usual jaunty swagger which distinguished his steps,
so that he and his companion were speedily distanced by Pen and Miss
Fanny.

Perhaps Arthur forgot, or perhaps he did not choose to remember, that
the elder couple had no money in their pockets, as had been proved by
their adventure at the entrance of the Gardens; howbeit, Pen paid a
couple of shillings for himself and his partner, and with her hanging
close on his arm, scaled the staircase which leads to the firework
gallery. The Captain and mamma might have followed them if they liked,
but Arthur and Fanny were too busy to look back. People were pushing and
squeezing there beside and behind them. One eager individual rushed by
Fanny, and elbowed her so, that she fell back with a little cry, upon
which, of course, Arthur caught her adroitly in his arms, and, just for
protection, kept her so defended, until they mounted the stair, and took
their places.

Poor Foker sate alone on one of the highest benches, his face
illuminated by the fireworks, or in their absence by the moon. Arthur
saw him, and laughed, but did not occupy himself about his friend much.
He was engaged with Fanny. How she wondered! how happy she was! how she
cried O, O, O, as the rockets soared into the air, and showered down
in azure, and emerald, and vermilion! As these wonders blazed and
disappeared before her, the little girl thrilled and trembled with
delight at Arthur's side--her hand was under his arm still, he felt it
pressing him as she looked up delighted.

"How beautiful they are, sir!" she cried.

"Don't call me sir, Fanny," Arthur said.

A quick blush rushed up into the girl's face. "What shall I call you?"
she said, in a low voice, sweet and tremulous. "What would you wish me
to say, sir?"

"Again, Fanny! Well, I forgot; it is best so, my dear," Pendennis said,
very kindly and gently. "I may call you Fanny?"

"Oh yes!" she said, and the little hand pressed his arm once more very
eagerly, and the girl clung to him so that he could feel her heart
beating on his shoulder.

"I may call you Fanny, because you are a young girl, and a good girl,
Fanny, and I am an old gentleman. But you