AST

"We had better let the people clear off," said Thorndyke, when the first
greetings were over and we stood around Reuben in the fast-emptying
court. "We don't want a demonstration as we go out."

"No; anything but that, just now," replied Reuben. He still held Mrs.
Hornby's hand, and one arm was passed through that of his uncle, who
wiped his eyes at intervals, though his face glowed with delight.

"I should like you to come and have a little quiet luncheon with me at
my chambers--all of us friends together," continued Thorndyke.

"I should be delighted," said Reuben, "if the programme would include a
satisfactory wash."

"You will come, Anstey?" asked Thorndyke.

"What have you got for lunch?" demanded Anstey, who was now disrobed and
in his right mind--that is to say, in his usual whimsical,
pseudo-frivolous character.

"That question savours of gluttony," answered Thorndyke. "Come and see."

"I will come and eat, which is better," answered Anstey, "and I must run
off now, as I have to look in at my chambers."

"How shall we go?" asked Thorndyke, as his colleague vanished through
the doorway. "Polton has gone for a four-wheeler, but it won't hold us
all."

"It will hold four of us," said Reuben, "and Dr. Jervis will bring
Juliet; won't you, Jervis?"

The request rather took me aback, considering the circumstances, but I
was conscious, nevertheless, of an unreasonable thrill of pleasure and
answered with alacrity: "If Miss Gibson will allow me, I shall be very
delighted." My delight was, apparently, not shared by Juliet, to judge
by the uncomfortable blush that spread over her face. She made no
objection, however, but merely replied rather coldly: "Well, as we can't
sit on the roof of the cab, we had better go by ourselves."

The crowd having by this time presumably cleared off, we all took our
way downstairs. The cab was waiting at the kerb, surrounded by a group
of spectators, who cheered Reuben as he appeared at the doorway, and we
saw our friends enter and drive away. Then we turned and walked quickly
down the Old Bailey towards Ludgate Hill. "Shall we take a hansom?" I
asked.

"No; let us walk," replied Juliet; "a little fresh air will do us good
after that musty, horrible court. It all seems like a dream, and yet
what a relief--oh! what a relief it is."

"It is rather like the awakening from a nightmare to find the morning
sun shining," I rejoined.

"Yes; that is just what it is like," s