"That old gentlewoman," he said, "was reading you a lecture on the sins of the world and its frivolities. I could see it; I have been watching you from afar." "I am sorry, sir, you had no better subject of contemplation," was the reply. It was but a step to North Parade; and, just as they reached it, Leslie Travers turned the corner from South Parade. It gave him a thrill of disgust to see Griselda on the arm of a man who he knew was no fit companion for any pure-minded woman, and a pang of jealousy shot through him, and got the better of his discretion. "If you had waited, Miss Mainwaring, I should have returned at the time I appointed, and I could have told you of what I had seen." "You did find her? You know, then, her story was true?" "Yes, but the half had not been told; but more of this hereafter." "I should be obliged to you, sir," Sir Maxwell began, "not to hinder this young lady any longer. She is under my charge, and I must move on." "Who hinders you, sir?" was the answer. "Not I. Your goings and comings are matters of supreme indifference to me." Sir Maxwell laughed. "Boys are always outspoken, I know; and, like puppy dogs, have to be licked into shape." "You shall be made to apologize for this insult, sir; and were you not in the lady's presence----" "Oh, pray, Mr. Travers, do not be angry; no harm is meant. I shall look for you to-morrow to tell me the whole story of the poor little girl. Good-afternoon." Then Griselda stepped on quickly to the door, and Sir Maxwell bowed his "Good-bye," taking her hand and kissing it. "Why so cruel to me," he asked, "when I would be your slave? Nay, I _am_ your slave, and do your bidding." "If so, Sir Maxwell, you will allow me to pass into the house, and I wish to do so alone." "I dare not disobey your orders, though I am invited to a dish of tea by her ladyship; only"--and he hissed the words out between his thin lips--"beware of puppy dogs--they show their teeth sometimes. Adieu--adieu!" Lady Betty was in high good-humour in the drawing-room. A dainty tea-service had been set out--delicate cups with no handles--and a silver tea-pot and cream-jug; and Lord Basingstoke had taken up his favourite lounging attitude by the fire. "What have you done with Sir Maxwell Danby, child?" "He left me at the door." "Where are your manners, not to invite him to come in?" Lady Betty said sharply. "I shall never teach you the proper behaviour, I believe." "You might spare me before witnesses," Griselda said angrily. "If, indeed, I offend you, I will not inflict my company any longer on you." Then, with a dignified curtsey, Griselda swept out of the room. It was terribly irritating to catch the sound of Lady Betty's laugh as she did so, and the words, "A very tragedy queen--a real stage 'curtshey.'" Griselda hastened to her room, where she found Graves getting her change of toilette ready for the evening, and kindling a fire in the small grate.