e said.

"I have been waiting for that remark," he replied, with his most
irresistible smile; "now for some more practical conversation."

As he did not immediately begin this conversation himself, her curiosity
overcame her, and she asked, "How did you manage to get out?"

"As my friend Dr Escott offered no opposition, I walked away."

"Did he really let you?"

"He never even expostulated."

"Then--then it's all right?" she said, with an inexplicable sensation of
disappointment.

"Perfectly--so far."

"But--didn't they object?"

"Not yet," he replied; "objections to my movements are generally made
after they have been performed."

Somehow she felt immensely relieved at this hint of opposition.

"I'm so glad you got away," she whispered, and then repented in a flutter.

"Not more so than I am," he answered, pressing her hand.

"And now," he added, "I should like to know how near Ashditch Junction you
propose to take me."

"Where are you going to, Mr Beveridge?"

The "Mr Beveridge" was thrown in as a corrective to the hand-pressure.

"To London; where else, my Alicia? With L10, 17s. 6d. in my pocket, I
shall be able to eat at least three good dinners, and, by the third of
them, if I haven't fallen on my feet it will be the first time I have
descended so unluckily."

"But," she asked, considerably disconcerted, "I thought you were going
back to your parish."

For a moment he too seemed a trifle put about. Then he replied readily,
"So I am, as soon as I have purchased the necessary outfit, restocked my
ecclesiastical library, and called on my bishop."

She felt greatly relieved at this justification of her share in the
adventure.

"Drop me at the nearest point to the station," he said.

"I am afraid," she began--"I mean I think you had better get out soon. The
first road on the right will take you straight there, and we had better
not pass it."

"Then I must bid you farewell," and he sighed most effectively. "Farewell,
my benefactress, my dear Alicia! Shall I ever see you, shall I ever hear
of you again?"

"I might--I might just write once; if you will answer it: I mean if you
would care to hear from such a----"

She found it difficult to finish, and prudently stopped.

"Thanks," he replied cheerfully; "do,--I shall live in hopes. I'd better
stop the carriage now."

He let down the window, when she said hastily, "But I don't know your
address."

He reflected for an instant. "Care of the