ron.

When he did arrive at Victoria station he found the people pouring in in
shoals; for now was the very height of the Brighton season; besides
which there were plenty of Londoners glad to escape, if only for a day,
from the perpetual fog and gloom. And yet, curiously enough, although
the carriages were being rapidly filled, he took no trouble about
securing a seat. After he had gone down the whole length of the train,
he turned, and kept watching the new arrivals as they came through the
distant gate. The time for departure was imminent; but he did not seem
anxious about getting to Brighton. And at last his patience, or his
obstinacy, was rewarded; he saw two figures--away along there--that he
instantly recognized; even at a greater distance he could have told that
one of these was Honnor Cunyngham, for who else in all England walked
like that? The two ladies were unattended by either man or maid; and as
they came along they seemed rather concerned at the crowded condition of
the train. Lionel walked quickly forward to meet them. There was no time
for the expression of surprise on their part--only for the briefest
greeting.

"I must try to get you seats," said he, "but the train appears to be
very full, and the guards are at their wits' end. I say!" he called to a
porter. "Look here; this train is crammed, and the people are pouring in
yet; what are they going to do?"

"There's a relief train, sir," said the porter, indicating a long row of
empty carriages just across the platform.

"You are sure those are going?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then we can get in now?"

The man looked doubtful; but Lionel soon settled that matter by taking
the two ladies along to a Pullman car, where the conductor at once
allowed them to pass. It is true that as soon as the public outside
perceived that these empty carriages were also going, they took
possession without more ado; but in the meantime Lionel and his two
companions had had their choice of places, so that they were seated
together when the train started.

"It was most fortunate we met you," Lady Cunyngham said, bending very
friendly eyes on the young man. "I do so hate a crowded train; it
happens so seldom in travelling in England that one is not used to it.
Are you going down to Brighton for any time, Mr. Moore?"

"Mother," said Honnor Cunyngham, almost reproachfully, "you forget what
Mr. Moore's engagements are."

"Yes," said he, with a smile, "it is rather a cruel quest