"I'm a lady growed, and I'll act according," said Peggy to herself; "but dear, dear me, what a handicap it is! He would enjoy it so much, and so should I. Well, at least I can say I want to go upstairs, and then we can have another nice talk. I haven't said half or a quarter of what is in my mind." She rose from her seat, turning towards Rob to claim his escort; but before she had time to speak, Hector's arm was thrust forward, and Hector's voice protested eagerly: "Let me take you. I have so much to tell you yet. Take my arm, and let me pilot you through the crowd." Peggy stood hesitating and uncertain between the two tall brothers. "But--" she began feebly, and then looked at Rob, waiting for him to finish the sentence. So far Rob had made no protest, but the moment he met that glance, there came a sudden flash to the eye, a straightening to the back, which made a startling transformation in the aspect of the dreamy student. As he stood thus, he was as tall as Hector himself; the rugged strength of his face made him an even more imposing figure. "But Peggy came down with me," he said firmly, "and it is my place to take her back." "Nonsense, my dear boy. You have had your talk. It's my turn now. Peggy and I have a great many things to say to each other, and--" "Plenty of opportunities ahead in which to say them. To-night will not be your only meeting. Take my arm, Peggy," said Rob sternly; and Peggy gasped and took it, and marched away meek and blushing, conscious to the very curls on her neck of the amazed disgust with which Hector watched her retreat. Outside, in the corridor, her eyes met Rob's, and she made a little grimace of alarm. "_Now_ you have done it! How furious he looked!" "Serve him right," said Rob lightly. "And I'll do it again the very next time he comes interfering between you and me! There are some things, Mariquita, that a fellow can _not_ be expected to stand!" Peggy gave a happy little trill of laughter. After all, there were some good points about being grown-up. At that moment she had no hankering whatever for the days of pigtails and pinafores! CHAPTER NINE. Rob went back to The Larches next day, faithful to a decision expressed to Peggy at the reception. "I have seen you now, Peg," he said, "and have gratified my curiosity, so I shall go back to my work and the country, until such time as you deign to shed the light of your presence upon us. It's no use staying here, for you will be up to your ears in engagements all day long, and I'm never fit to speak to in London, in any case. I hate and detest the place, and feel in an abominable rage the whole time I am here."