'And you are getting along famously,' continued Jessie hurriedly; I read your name in the papers, and it made me very proud.' 'We shall read your name in the papers soon, Jessie.' 'I suppose so; if I have strength and courage to go through with it. I hope you will not come on the first night, Chris.' I was silent, and she was generous enough not to exact the promise. 'At all events, then, if you do come I shall have one friend there,' she said. 'Not more than one, Jessie?' asked Mr. Glover, in a tone which made my heart throb violently. Jessie, looking first at me and then at Mr. Glover, said that she must wish us good-morning, and with her parasol hailed an omnibus that was passing. 'Good-bye, Chris. Will you give my love to mother?' 'Yes, Jessie.' She drew me aside, out of the hearing of Mr. Glover, and whispered, 'Don't quarrel with him, Chris.' 'I will not, Jessie. One moment. Are you happy?' She cast a swift glance at me, and then turned her eyes to the ground. 'I think so, Chris; I am not sure.' With this singular answer, she pressed my hand, and left me. I watched her get into the omnibus, and when it was out of sight I turned homewards, without noticing Mr. Glover. But he was at my heels, speaking to me. 'How did you gain admission into the theatre, young man?' he said. 'Did you sneak in, or did you tell the doorkeeper a lie?' 'That is my business,' I replied calmly; for I was determined to keep my promise to Jessie. 'Especially your business, I should say--sneaking and lying. But unless you wish to find yourself in an unpleasant position, I should advise you not to make the attempt again. For Jessie's sake, who might not like to hear of your getting into trouble, I will look over the trespass this once.' '_You_ will overlook it!' I retorted, without any outward exhibition of anger. 'Is the theatre yours, then?' 'In your own words, that is my business. But I have authority there, believe me; so you must be careful. I should, if I were you, give over the spying business; you will gain nothing by it. Perhaps, however, you have not the manliness to see that the young lady has chosen for herself, and that, as she has removed herself from you and your common surroundings, there is distinct cowardice in your thrusting yourself upon her. Only a gentleman can entertain these proper sentiments----' 'Such a gentleman as yourself,' I interrupted. 'Yes, such a gentleman as I,' he said, with a frown; and not only that, but one who knows how to resent impertinence and blackguardly interference.' I left him suddenly; if I had not done so he would have fastened a quarrel upon me. I saw clearly that this was his desire; but I disappointed him. CHAPTER XLV. OLD MAC EXPRESSES HIS OPINION OF MR. GLOVER. The only person to whom I spoke of my interview with Jessie was my mother, and even to her I did not relate all that had passed. 'Is she coming to see us, my dear?' my mother asked.