Early one morning soon after this, Mrs. Douglass sent Marion a note, requesting her to call at her earliest convenience. On entering the house where Mrs. Douglass had rooms, Marion met in the hall a dashing young man, dressed in the height of the fashion, with a lighted cigar in his hand. She would have passed him without notice, but for a bold stare, which sent the indignant blood to her cheeks. The knock at Mrs. Douglass's door was for a minute unanswered; then Mrs. Cheriton opened it, her eyes still flashing defiance, her head thrown back, but looking more brilliantly beautiful than the visitor had ever seen her. Mrs. Douglass had evidently been under some strong excitement: her eyes were red with crying, and her hands trembled. Eugene came forward with a rush to meet the lady. He was dressed for a walk and insisted that Marion should accompany him. "I am on my way to my music scholars," explained the visitor, taking the little fellow in her arms. "Some time you shall go with me." "I'm going to walk with you," said his mother haughtily. "How can I aid you, dear friend?" asked Marion, when the outer door had shut upon the others. "Did you meet a gentleman as you came in?" "I did. I can guess that he is Mr. Cheriton." "Oh, no! no! Would that he were here. Juliette is so young: she does not consider; she is—I am pained to say so—she is imprudent. Arthur has no right to leave her unprotected. She wrung her hands in great distress, her eyes full of tears. "Who is he?" "His name is Alford. Juliette accompanied one of our fellow-boarders to the theatre, and was introduced to him there. He has been here every day since. She has just promised, in my presence, and contrary to my wishes, to go to the theatre with him to-night. I am powerless to prevent it. What must I, what can I do?" "Alford," repeated Marion. "Do you know his Christian name?" "There is his card,—C. W. Alford, New York City." "A very indefinite address. Will you let me take it? I will make inquiries concerning his character. I am sorry to say I was not favorably impressed with his appearance." "But Juliette has a husband. Whatever his moral character may be, she must not receive attentions from him. If the poor child has a father living—" A burst of tears interrupted her. "She has a heavenly Father," urged Marion, deeply moved. "He will never lose sight of her for a moment. His eye sees her when no earthly eye can follow her, and His arm can protect her from harm. Dear Mrs. Douglass, don't weep so. Let us ask His guidance."