ng there. Five minutes elapsed, and then Ripton heard
the gracious rustle of feminine garments above. Richard came a little in
advance, leading and half-supporting a figure in a black-silk mantle and
small black straw bonnet; young--that was certain, though she held her
veil so close he could hardly catch the outlines of her face; girlishly
slender, and sweet and simple in appearance. The hush that came with
her, and her soft manner of moving, stirred the silly youth to some of
those ardours that awaken the Knight of Dames in our bosoms. He felt
that he would have given considerable sums for her to lift her veil. He
could see that she was trembling--perhaps weeping. It was the master of
her fate she clung to. They passed him without speaking. As she went
by, her head passively bent, Ripton had a glimpse of noble tresses and a
lovely neck; great golden curls hung loosely behind, pouring from under
her bonnet. She looked a captive borne to the sacrifice. What Ripton,
after a sight of those curls, would have given for her just to lift her
veil an instant and strike him blind with beauty, was, fortunately
for his exchequer, never demanded of him. And he had absolutely been
composing speeches as he came along in the cab! gallant speeches for
the lady, and sly congratulatory ones for his friend, to be delivered as
occasion should serve, that both might know him a man of the world, and
be at their ease. He forgot the smirking immoralities he had revelled
in. This was clearly serious. Ripton did not require to be told that
his friend was in love, and meant that life and death business called
marriage, parents and guardians consenting or not.

Presently Richard returned to him, and said hurriedly, "I want you now
to go to my uncle at our hotel. Keep him quiet till I come. Say I had to
see you--say anything. I shall be there by the dinner hour. Rip! I must
talk to you alone after dinner."

Ripton feebly attempted to reply that he was due at home. He was very
curious to hear the plot of the New Comedy; and besides, there was
Richard's face questioning him sternly and confidently for signs of
unhesitating obedience. He finished his grimaces by asking the name and
direction of the hotel. Richard pressed his hand. It is much to obtain
even that recognition of our devotion from the hero.

Tom Bakewell also received his priming, and, to judge by his chuckles
and grins, rather appeared to enjoy the work cut out for him. In a few
minut