h an impulse to walk into the theatre,
denounce the adventurers to their faces, and bear Cornelia away to a
place of safety. For all her assurance, events had proved that she was
neither capable of taking care of herself, nor of choosing her own
companions. She had been led away by impulse, like other girls; he
liked her the more, not the less, for the discovery, and his heart
softened at the thought of her disillusion. No use to worry her to-
night! Let her have a good night's rest, and to-morrow morning, bright
and early, he would go round to the hotel, when Mr and Mrs Schuter, or
Moffatt, or whatever their name happened to be, would once more find
their quarters too hot to hold them!

CHAPTER TWENTY.

On returning to the hotel that evening, Mr Moffatt announced that he
and his wife had business on hand next morning, which would necessitate
an early breakfast, and that once again they would be obliged to leave
Cornelia to her own resources. He suggested, however, that they should
all meet at Paddington Station at two o'clock, whence they could take
train to Maidenhead for an afternoon on the river.

Cornelia hailed the prospect with delight, and mentally dedicated the
morning to doing a picture-gallery, and to choosing a suitable present
for her aunt and Elma Ramsden. Aunt Soph should have lace; something
soft, and smooth, and womanly, to take the place of the prickly steel
trimmings which seemed to constitute her one idea of adornment. Elma,
dear thing, what should be chosen for her? Not clothes; it would not be
good taste to offer another gift of the kind; a piece of jewellery would
be best; something good and quiet, and unobtrusive, suitable for the
wear of "a nice young girl."

Cornelia chuckled to herself in prospective enjoyment next morning, as
she repaired to the private sitting-room of the suite, where breakfast
was invariably served. Her host and hostess had already risen from the
table and were dressed for walking. Mrs Moffatt stood before the
window looking down into the street with a pale and worried expression.
Her husband was scribbling at a side table, but jumped up at Cornelia's
entrance, as if he had been anxiously awaiting her appearance.

"Ah, good-morning, Miss Briskett! We are just off, but I wanted to
settle up with you first. Here's the cheque, with many thanks! Perhaps
you will kindly look over it, to see it is all right."

"Oh, Mr Moffatt, you should not have troubled w