ou there."

"Of course I'll come. There's no question about that. We had better
get off at once, then, and not waste any more time, but first you must
have something to eat! You've been driving about all morning, and
there's trouble ahead. I'll ring for something hot and tempting. What
would you like best?"

"I couldn't swallow a bite if you paid me for it. It would stick in my
throat."

"Have a glass of wine, then! I'm not going to stir till you have
something. You look tired out."

"I never touch wine. I think perhaps I could drink some cor-fee!"
Cornelia said doubtfully, and Guest's stern face suddenly lightened into
a smile.

"Coffee! The worst thing possible for your nerves. You funny little
girl! You have not the smallest glimmering of an idea how to take care
of yourself."

To his surprise and alarm, two big tears brimmed up suddenly in
Cornelia's eyes, and her lips quivered.

"Don't be good to me!" she whispered sharply. "_Don't_! For two straws
I'll howl! I'm all worked up. Take me out, out into the street, quick,
before I make a scene!"

Guest needed no second bidding. In an incredibly short time the
untasted meal was paid for, a hansom summoned, and he was driving once
more through the streets by Cornelia's side, while she mopped her eyes
with a minute pocket-handkerchief.

"_You_ haven't lived with her for days at a time. ... _You_ haven't
thought of her as a friend. ... _You_ haven't had her nurse you, when
you were sick!..."

"Thank heaven for that!" ejaculated Guest, devoutly. It was ridiculous
to indulge in sentiment in connection with a thief and a forger; the
woman deserved no mercy, and would receive none, if he had his way; none
the less was he charmed by Cornelia's emotion, by her pity, her amazing
inconsistency. Gone were her airs of complacency and independence; at
the first threatening of danger the pretty pretence was broken up; weak,
trembling, tearful, she summoned her natural protector to her side!
Guest's heart swelled with a passion of tenderness. In his immaculate
frock-coat, freshly-creased trousers, and irreproachable silk hat, he
was as truly a knight-errant at that moment as any mailed warrior of
old, going forth to fight a tourney for his lady's favour.

"Don't cry!" he cried eagerly. "Look here, you know, if you want me to
let her down lightly, you must pull yourself together. I can't stand
this. If you cry any more--I'll--_kill her_!"

Corne