mbers of his family now reappeared,
and drove, at a slow trot, round to the theatre in carriages drawn by the
Hanoverian white horses that were so well known in the town at this date.

When Anne and Bob entered the theatre they found that John had taken
excellent places, and concluded that he had got them for nothing through
the influence of the lady of his choice. As a matter of fact he had paid
full prices for those two seats, like any other outsider, and even then
had a difficulty in getting them, it being a King's night. When they
were settled he himself retired to an obscure part of the pit, from which
the stage was scarcely visible.

'We can see beautifully,' said Bob, in an aristocratic voice, as he took
a delicate pinch of snuff, and drew out the magnificent
pocket-handkerchief brought home from the East for such occasions. 'But
I am afraid poor John can't see at all.'

'But we can see him,' replied Anne, 'and notice by his face which of them
it is he is so charmed with. The light of that corner candle falls right
upon his cheek.'

By this time the King had appeared in his place, which was overhung by a
canopy of crimson satin fringed with gold. About twenty places were
occupied by the royal family and suite; and beyond them was a crowd of
powdered and glittering personages of fashion, completely filling the
centre of the little building; though the King so frequently patronized
the local stage during these years that the crush was not inconvenient.

The curtain rose and the play began. To-night it was one of Colman's,
who at this time enjoyed great popularity, and Mr. Bannister supported
the leading character. Anne, with her hand privately clasped in Bob's,
and looking as if she did not know it, partly watched the piece and
partly the face of the impressionable John who had so soon transferred
his affections elsewhere. She had not long to wait. When a certain one
of the subordinate ladies of the comedy entered on the stage the trumpet-
major in his corner not only looked conscious, but started and gazed with
parted lips.

'This must be the one,' whispered Anne quickly. 'See, he is agitated!'

She turned to Bob, but at the same moment his hand convulsively closed
upon hers as he, too, strangely fixed his eyes upon the newly-entered
lady.

'What is it?'

Anne looked from one to the other without regarding the stage at all. Her
answer came in the voice of the actress who now spoke for the firs