ntre of a struggling, unsavoury crowd, which was growing
larger every minute.

"Whatever are you doing?" protested Mavis.

"Wasn't it your wish?" he asked.

"Not this. Please, please get me out and away."

The next moment, Windebank, dragging Mavis after him, was vigorously
making a passage through those who surrounded them. Once he saw his way
clear, he ran forward, still keeping hold of her, and dragged her up
Bond Street. They were still followed by the more persistent of the
loafers, but a friendly policeman came to their aid, enabling them to
pursue their unmolested way down Piccadilly.

"It is good of you to let me stay with you all this time," he said
presently.

"What time is it?" she asked.

"I'll see. Why, I've lost my watch!"

"Not really?"

"I suppose it was stolen just now."

"Stolen?"

"Yes, you can see where the chain is snapped."

"Can't we do something?"

"What's the use?"

"But it must be got back. If it isn't, I shall feel it's all my doing."

"How can that be? Don't talk rot."

"I talked you into giving money away, and--"

"If you say any more, I'll be very angry," he interrupted. "What's a
watch!"

Although she made no further reference to the matter, she thought the
more of the loss he had sustained, which was owing to the
representations she had made upon his duty to the needy. His
indifference to the theft of his property the more inclined her in his
favour.

As they walked, he was full of kindly anxiety for her present and
future welfare. His ardent sincerity filled her with self-reproaches,
the while he continued to express concern for her well-being.
Presently, when they were passing St George's Hospital, she said:

"I wish you wouldn't talk so much about myself."

"It's so interesting," he pleaded.

"Why not talk more about yourself?"

"Never mind me."

"But I do. What on earth time will you get to bed?"

"Any time. It doesn't matter."

"Won't you be tired in the morning?"

"I shouldn't notice. I should be thinking of you."

"Nonsense; you'll be thinking about breakfast. Where do you sleep?"

"When I'm up like this, at a hotel in Jermyn Street."

"Are you comfortable there?"

"I only sleep there. I breakfast at the club."

"Where's that?"

"We passed it on the way down."

"How you must have wanted to get away! Your coat's undone."

"What of it?"

"Do it up."

"But--"

"You'll take cold. Do it up or I'll leave you at once."

"Don't be so