He placed his arm around her, and so overpowered was she by her inward conflict of feeling, that she had no power to resist. But at this critical moment a quick step was heard coming into the archway. Lily turned with a gasp of relief, and seeing who it was that was approaching them, involuntarily cried in a joyful tone, "Felix!" And made a movement towards him. Felix raised his hat, and said: "Your grandfather is anxious about you, Miss Lily." "Have you seen him to-night?" asked Lily. "Yes; I have been to see _The Bells_, and he told me that you had gone to the same theatre. He expected you would have been home before this time." "Miss Lily was in perfectly safe keeping, sir," said Mr. Sheldrake, biting his lip with vexation at the interruption, and with jealousy at Lily's more cordial manner towards Felix. "I make no question of it," replied Felix politely. "Her grandfather must be satisfied of that, but I think he expected Alfred would bring his sister home." "I will come at once," said Lily. "Alfred has gone to see Lizzie home." Felix offered his arm, and Lily was about to accept it, when Mr. Sheldrake interposed. "I would like you to assure this person, Miss Lily, that there was no cause for alarm." In a very lofty manner indeed did Mr. Sheldrake make this request. "Indeed, no assurance is necessary," said Felix, with the intention of sparing Lily. But Mr. Sheldrake would not be denied. "I asked the lady, sir." "There was no cause for alarm, Felix." "One word before you go," said Mr. Sheldrake. Obedient to her look, Felix fell back a pace or two. "I will not intrude farther upon you to-night, for I see that you are fatigued and anxious. Of course you will keep what has passed between us an entire secret. For Alfred's sake. Out of consideration for you, I have not told you how serious his position is; I do not wish to alarm you unnecessarily. But you and I, working together, will be able to set him straight." He pressed her hand tenderly as he wished her good-night; and as she took Felix's arm, he shaped with his lips the warning words, "For Alfred's sake," and turned away without a word to Felix. Before Lily and her protector arrived at the house, Lily said: "I have not done anything wrong in stopping to speak to Mr. Sheldrake." "I know that, Lily; but don't say anything more about it." "I must. I cannot bear that you should think ill of me; and it has so strange an appearance that any one less generous than you would require an explanation, and that I cannot give." "If I say I am satisfied, and that I hold you in too perfect esteem to think ill of you in any way--that I know you have troubles which you are compelled to keep to your own breast, because they affect others more than yourself--will that content you?" She answered yes, and he gave her the assurance in other words. "I have a confession to make before we go in, Lily." "You, Felix!"