; she was also agreeably relieved,
for if adventure were to be her portion, no girl could have wished for a
more attractive stage manager to initiate her into her part. She stood
blushing and smiling, wondering what to say next, subconsciously aware
the while that, by placing his tall form between her and the end of the
platform, Maplestone was designedly screening her from the scrutiny of
the blue-robed dames.

"I have a dog-cart waiting," he said hastily. "I'm going to drive you
home, and explain things _en route_; my man will look after your boxes.
Er--there's just one thing--" The air of embarrassment grew more marked;
a flush showed in his cheeks. "It's a nuisance; there are two women
over there--neighbours; I'm afraid I'll be obliged to introduce you. Do
you think, for a few minutes, until we can escape, you could manage to
look a little--_intimate_?" His voice, his look, were so full of
apology at the suggestion, that Juliet's surprise gave way to amusement.
She laughed, a bright girlish laugh, and said, "Certainly!" in crisp,
matter-of-fact tones which were evidently a vast relief to her
companion. He stepped quickly to one side, as if anxious that her
smiling face should be seen by others besides himself, and led the way
down the platform, inclining his head towards her with an air of deepest
solicitude. "You have had a comfortable journey?"

"Oh, yes," Juliet nodded gaily, responding readily to his cue. He
wished her to talk, he wished the watching women to believe that this
was no first meeting, but a reunion of friends. For some unknown reason
it was necessary to his interests that they should receive this
impression. Very well, then, it should be done. "Alice White" was not
going to fail in the first call upon her.

"Oh, yes, quite comfy. I had a tea basket. _China_ tea. Did you know
you could get _China_ tea in baskets? And a ducky little pot of jam,
all to myself. Isn't this station pretty? Such sweet flowers!"

They were close to the ticket office by this time. The man's eyes
flashed a look of gratitude and appreciation. He laid a light touch on
her arm, and brought her to a stand before the waiting women.

"Here she is! I'm not disappointed, you see. I want to introduce you
to each other while I have a chance. Miss Clare Lawson, Lady Lorrima,
Miss Bridges."

Juliet bowed and smiled, her senses momentarily stunned by the
responsibility of yet another cognomen. Now she would h