"Third-class--London," said the station-master aloud, repeating the fair young traveller's words. "Nine-and-nine;" and he too bestowed a not very respectful stare. The threepence change was handed to the porter, with a request that he would see the boxes into the van, which request, and the money, that incorruptible gentleman received with a short nod and an "all right," pocketing the cash in defiance of all by-laws and ordinances of the company. Turning to reach the platform, the young lady--for such her manners indicated her to be--became aware of the fixed insolent stare of the over-dressed gentleman at her side, when quietly and without ostentation the black fall was lowered, and she walked slowly to and fro for a few minutes, in expectation of the coming train--hardly noticing that she was met at every turn, and that the gentlemanly manoeuvres were being watched with great interest by station-master and porter. "Nice day, deah!" was suddenly drawled out; and the traveller started to find that, in place of being met at every turn, her persecutor was now close by her side. Quickening her steps, she slightly bent her head and walked on; but in vain. "Any one going to meet you?" was next drawled out; when turning shortly round, the young traveller looked the exquisite full in the face. "I think you are making a mistake, sir," she said coldly. "Mistake? No, not I, my deah," was the insolent reply. "Give me your ticket, and I'll change it;" and the speaker coolly held out a tightly-gloved hand. The black veil hid the flush that rose to the pale face, as, glancing rapidly down the line for the train that seemed as if it would never come, the traveller once more quickened her steps and walked to the other end of the platform; for there was no waiting-room at the little wooden station, one but newly erected by way of experiment. "Now, don't be awkward, my deah," drawled the exquisite, once more overtaking her. "Here we are both going to town together, and I can take care of you. Pretty gyurls like you have no business to travel alone. Now, let me change your ticket;" and again he stretched forth his hand. "I'll pay, you know." "Are you a gentleman, sir?" was the sudden question in reply to his proposition. "Bai Jove, ya-a-a-s!" was the drawled reply, accompanied by what was meant for a most killing leer. "Then you will immediately cease this unmanly pursuit!" exclaimed the lady firmly; and once more turning, she paced along the platform. "Now, how can you now," languidly whispered the self-styled gentleman, "when we might be so comfortable and chatty all this long ride? Look here, my deah--take my arm, and I'll see to your luggage."