re some people here----"

"I know," she interrupted softly, "and it hurts you to see her."

"Not a bit," he said earnestly; "but, you see, it might not be very
pleasant for her to see me--might spoil her enjoyment a little. And as
I know the man too, I'll have to bow if we meet going out."

She placed her little gloved hand on his arm.

"Then let us go," she said softly.

When they reached the vestibule, Barry stopped.

"It is not quite nine o'clock. Would you care to come to the Lyceum
and see Rignold in 'The Ironmaster'? A cab will take us there in five
minutes."

"Do you really want me to go?"

"Very much indeed. Come."

They descended the stairs together, and entering a cab drove off, Alice
Tracey's dark eyes sparkling like diamonds as she looked into Barry's
calm, collected face.

But not a seat could be obtained, much to Barry's annoyance; then he
laughed. "There's nothing worth seeing at any of the other theatres.
What is to be done? Would you care to come for a drive round to Lady
Marquarie's Chair? The _Arrecifos_ is lying just near by in
Woolloomoolloo Bay. It's a pretty drive."

"Oh yes. It will be lovely to be out in the cool, fresh air."

The cabman took them to the Chair, from where they had a good view of
the stately little barque as she lay upon the silent waters in a flood
of moonlight.

"Let us walk down to the edge of the water and hail old Watson--just to
give him a surprise."

"Indeed I have a very great mind to go on board--may I?" she asked as
he helped her out of the cab.

"Why not? He'll be off his head with delight. And then I'll get big
Joe and some of the hands to pull us round in the boat to the Circular
Quay. Here you are, cabby. You need not wait."

Old Watson's astonishment when he heard the captain's hail and saw him
and Mrs. Tracey standing on the rocky shore just abreast of the ship
may be imagined. In a few minutes he and two hands jumped into the
boat and pulled her ashore.

"Well, well, to be sure, this is a surprise, Mrs. Tracey! why----"

"Mr. Watson, don't talk now. Wait till we are on board. I've come to
show you my dress."

The old mate uttered his deep, rumbling laugh, as the boat pushed off
and quickly drew up alongside. Then, after the steward had brought him
and the captain a brandy-and-soda each and a glass of wine for the fair
owner of the _Arrecifos_, he discreetly went below out of the way under
the excuse of writing a letter or