There could be no mistake. It was she. There was not such another face in the wide world; and yet he hesitated to go round to the box, asking himself whether he could--whether he had any right to force himself upon the notice of those who had plainly enough their reasons for wishing to cut all connection with him as soon as his patient was out of danger. "They may wish to, but she cannot. It is impossible. She must be ready to place her hand in mine. Perhaps even now that dull, weary look may be connected with our sudden parting. Who knows? Yes, come what may, I will go." Chester passed slowly along the row and out into the entry, went up the broad stairs, and with his heart increasing its pulsations rapidly, he stopped at last at the door of a box, drew a deep breath, and then tapped lightly. There was no reply and he tapped again. This time there was a movement within, the catch was drawn back, the door thrown open, and a deep voice exclaimed-- "How late you are! Hallo!" Chester had been in the act of stepping in, but paused on the threshold, completely taken aback at finding a gentleman in the box, while the speaker, who had not risen, but leaned back, balancing himself on two legs of his chair, fell over side-wise in his astonishment, but saved himself by catching at the partition. He sprang up the next moment, as Chester recovered himself and advanced, but neither of the three ladies, who had turned, made the slightest movement towards acknowledging him, and left it to their companion to speak. "May I ask whom you wish to see, sir?" "Certainly," replied Chester, quietly, "Mrs James, Mrs Dennis, Miss Clareborough--" No one moved. He might have been addressing so many statues, as he went on-- "And Mr Dennis Clareborough." "You seem to have our names right, sir," said the stalwart young fellow, shortly, "but I have not the pleasure of knowing you." "Indeed!" said Chester. "Is your memory so short, sir? May I ask after your cousin's wound?" "Certainly, if you like, sir," replied the young man, with a little laugh, "but I'm afraid I can't tell you." Chester felt nettled and turned to the lady in the centre, who sat looking over the back of her chair. "Perhaps Miss Marion Clareborough will tell me how her brother is progressing?" "Dennis," said one of the ladies, before any reply could be made, "is this a friend of yours? If so, introduce us." "Friend of mine? Hang it, no! Gentleman has got into the wrong box. Never saw him before in my life. What number did you want, sir?" "This," said Chester, sternly, as he looked the young man fiercely in the eyes. "Perhaps Miss Clareborough will speak. Believe me, I took great interest in your brother's case. Can I see him again?" The lady he addressed turned to one of her companions and whispered a few words, whereupon Mrs James said coldly--