and leaning over so that his head was almost between theirs. He was
evidently not of their party--was apparently listening to their
conversation and scanning the necks and busts before him somewhat too
closely; they all the while unconscious what a miserable libel on
humanity was dogging them. He looked foreign--perhaps French, especially
in the extraordinary curve and bell of his black round hat,--was
well-dressed, and seemed to be gray-haired enough to know better.

"Impudence? I should think so," replied Harding, as he caught sight of
the two girls and their unobserved follower. "That dirty hound would rob
a church! Oh, if I could only see that taller one turn around, now, and
fetch him such a slap in the face that it would ring for a twelvemonth!
Why, by Heavens, Leslie!" he said, looking closer. "I ought to know that
figure, and I _do_. Come over, and let us see the end of this."

"And your bank account?" asked Leslie.

"Oh, never mind that--come along!" and in half a minute they were across
the street and close behind the ladies and their persecutor. The latter
kept his place, dodging his head around at every opportunity as if to
get a sight of the face of the taller girl, and both apparently yet
unconscious of his presence.

"Do you see a policeman?" asked Harding, in a low voice. "I will have
that fellow taken up."

"Not a policeman!" answered Leslie. "If you know either of the ladies,
take the scoundrel by the collar, or let _me_."

"I _do_ know the taller girl," said Harding, "and--"

Suddenly he was interrupted. The taller lady on the outside wheeled
around so suddenly as almost to throw the tip-toe follower off his feet,
confronted him boldly, flung up the short light veil that depended from
her gypsy and partially hid her features, ineffable scorn and delicious
impudence dancing at the same moment out of her dark eyes and flushed
cheeks,--and burst out with:

"You have followed me long enough. Perhaps you want a better look? Here
it is! How do you like me?"

"Oh, Joe!" said the other lady, almost sinking with fright.

"Upon my honor, miss--ladies--it was all a mistake--I was not following
you--that is--I thought--"

"You are lying, sir, and you know it!" spoke the strange girl, the words
fairly hissing from her red lips and the coming tears already combating
with anger in her voice. "You have followed us for more than a block,
leaning over our very shoulders, and if I was only a man I would fl