"Thank you," she said simply; and for a moment there was silence between them while the train rattled over the points, and, reaching the outskirts of the town, began to increase its speed. The little Englishwoman did not, however, emulate her fair American partner in distress, who was at this moment indulging in hysterics in the other train; she had been too well trained to betray her feelings before a man whom she knew but slightly, even over the loss of a husband; so, after remaining quiet for a little, she controlled herself sufficiently to say, very calmly: "I do not see that we can either of us blame ourselves for what has happened; we must try and make the best of it, and rejoin your wife and my husband as soon as possible." Plucky little woman! thought Scarsdale to himself; to Mrs. Allingford he said: "I am glad you see things in so sensible a light. You must let me help you in every way that is in my power." "You say our first stop is Southampton?" she asked. "Yes, we reach there in less than an hour. They slip some carriages at Winchester, but the train doesn't stop," he replied. "Then I think we should alight at Southampton," she said, "and return at once to Basingstoke." "That would certainly be our best course. When you lose a man in a crowd, it is much better to wait at the point where you lost him till he finds you than to hunt for him yourself, as you will both miss each other." "Then you propose to let them find us." "That is my idea. Of course I'll telegraph to the station-master at Basingstoke that we will return there, so that if they wire for information concerning us he can give it them." "Where do you think they have gone?" "If we either of us knew our destination it would be far easier," he said, laughing. "I hope this will be a lesson to my wife." "But surely the train must stop before it reaches Exeter." "Undoubtedly; but as I have no time-table, I can't say where. Perhaps your husband has one in his overcoat. If you will permit me," and he proceeded to examine the garment in question. No time-table was forthcoming, however, and they were forced to resign themselves to waiting till they reached Southampton. Mrs. Allingford bore up bravely, and even tried to make conversation; but it proved to be a dreary ride, and when they drew up at their destination they were both exceedingly thankful. "Is there a train back to Basingstoke soon?" asked Scarsdale of the first railway porter he saw. "Yes, sir, over there on the left. Express leaves in three or four minutes," replied that individual, as he hurried away with somebody else's baggage. "I'll take you over," said Scarsdale. "No," replied his companion, "I can find it. You attend to the telegram and my luggage." He dashed off accordingly, and when he returned they both entered the train on the left. "I've sent the telegram," he said, "and I have also discovered your destination." "How?" she inquired.