'Well, I'll find out for you, quietly between ourselves. Old Mac knows the signs. He has seen a few things, old Mac has. Only don't you run away with the idea that there's anything wrong in a gentleman speaking to an actress. I daresay it's through him that my fair friend has got this chance. Well, why shouldn't she speak to him, then? I know what you feel, my son. I've felt the same myself, and wouldn't mind feeling so again. It comes in the regular course of things.' I went outside the theatre with him, and made an excuse to get rid of him. Then I waited, in the hope of seeing Jessie; and bearing in mind Jessie's words, 'If we meet again it must be at my own time, and in my own way,' I resolved not to show myself to her. She came out in the course of half an hour, accompanied by Mr. Glover. I walked behind them at some distance on the opposite side of the road, making many shifts and pretences of looking in shop-windows, so that they should not see me. But Mr. Glover, happening to turn his head in my direction, caught sight of me. I saw the flash of recognition in his eyes. He must have uttered an exclamation, for Jessie turned, and also saw me. I hesitated for one moment; should I retrace my steps, or walk boldly on? Jessie decided the question for me, by running towards me. Her face was scarlet, but that might have been caused by her running too quickly, for her breath came fast. 'O Chris!' she cried, in the first excitement of the moment. 'How glad I am to see you! What brings you this way?' She held out her hand eagerly, and I took it, and would have retained it, but that the appearance of Mr. Glover, who paused quite close to us, caused me to relinquish it. 'What brings him this way?' echoed Mr. Glover. Not accident, I'll be bound.' 'I came on purpose to see you, Jessie,' I said; 'I heard through a friend that you were rehearsing this morning, and I gained admission to the dress circle, and sat there for some time.' 'Was it Turk who told you?' she asked. 'No, not Turk. I think he would not tell me anything that you did not wish me to know.' It was not without intention that I let this arrow fly. Jessie made no comment upon it, but said: 'And then you waited outside to see me, Chris?' 'Yes; I had no other purpose. But I did not intend that you should see me.' No? But we'll not quarrel now that we _have_ met. How is mother, Chris?' 'She is well, Jessie. You know that we were very nearly losing her.' 'I know; and you took her into the country, and nursed her.' 'Thank God, she is well now.' If Mr. Glover had not been present, I should have spoken in a very different manner, but I could not show my heart while he stood by, with a look of cold contempt in his eyes. 'And you?--you are looking thinner, I think, Chris; but you are well and happy.' 'Yes,' I answered mechanically, 'I am well and happy, Jessie.' Although I strove to speak in an indifferent tone, it must have miserably belied my words.