Before she had time to turn and ask the man the way to the hotel, he had slammed the door to in her face and turned the key in the lock with a loud, resounding click, and Jessie found herself standing ankle-deep in the snow-drift, with the wind whirling about her and dashing the blinding snow in her face. Suddenly from out the dark shadows of an adjacent door-way sprung a man in a long ulster. "Don't be frightened, Miss Bain," he exclaimed. "I have been waiting for you almost an hour, to see you home." Jessie started back in dismay. At that instant he half turned, and the flickering light from the gas-lamp fell full upon his face, and she recognized him as one of the members of the company--Walter Winans, whom Mally Marsh had said was her beau. Even had this not been the case, Jessie could never have admired so bold-looking a fellow. "Excuse me, but I am very sorry that you waited for me, Mr. Winans," said Jessie, coldly. "I can find my way back to the hotel alone." "Phew! What an independent little piece we are, to be sure!" he cried. "You're not expecting any one else, are you?" he inquired looking hastily around. "No," said Jessie, simply. "Come on, then, with me," he said, seizing her arm and fairly dragging her along. Discretion seemed the better part of valor to Jessie. She thought it would not be wise to offend the young man; and, to tell the truth, she was rather glad to have some one to pilot her along through the terrible snow-drifts. "Let me tell you something," said Winans, without waiting for her answer. "I have taken quite a liking to you, Jessie Bain--this is between you and me--and I hope very much that the feeling will be reciprocated, little girl. I'll be only too glad to escort you to and from the theater every night, if you like. Don't let any of the girls of this company talk you into the belief that they have any claim on me. "You must not think it strange that I took an interest in you, little Jessie, from the first moment I saw you," continued Winans, pressing the girl's hand softly, as they pushed on bravely through the terrible snow-drifts. "There was something about you very different from the rest of the girls whom I have met." "I trust you will not talk so to me, Mr. Winans," said Jessie. "But I must," he insisted. "I must tell you all that is in my heart. Surely you can not blame a fellow so very much for being unfortunate enough to fall desperately in love with you!" He had spoken the words eagerly, and it never occurred to him that they had been uttered so loudly that any one passing might have heard them. Suddenly from out the shadow of an arched door-way sprang a woman, who planted herself directly in the snowy path before them. "Stop!" she cried. "Don't dare advance a step further!" and quick as a flash she drew a heavy riding-whip from the folds of her cloak. Once, twice, thrice it cut through the snow-laden air, and fell upon Winans' defenseless head.