Stella read the note again, and then slowly and reluctantly tore it into small fragments and dropped it out of the window. "Of course we must stop," said Frank. "I think I know what it is. Something had prevented him from meeting us, and he thought you would rather get out at a nearer station than go through the crowd at the terminus. Isn't it thoughtful and considerate of him?" "He is always thoughtful and considerate," said Stella, in a low voice. Then Frank launched forth in a pæan of praise. There was nobody like Leycester; nobody so handsome and so brave or noble. "You'll be the happiest girl in the whole world, Stel," he exclaimed, his blue eyes alight with excitement. "Think of it. And, Stella, you will let me see you sometimes; you will let me come and stay with you?" And Stella, with a moist look about her eyes, put her hand on his arm and murmured: "Where my home may be, there will be a sister's welcome for you, Frank." "Don't be afraid I shall be a nuisance, Stel," he said. "I shan't bore you for long. I shall only want to come and see you and share your happiness; and I don't think Lord Leycester will mind." And Stella smiled as she thought in her innermost heart how sure she was of Lord Leycester not minding. The train was an express one, and stopped at very few stations, but when those stoppages occurred, Frank, in his character of guardian, always drew the curtains and kept a watch for intruders, notwithstanding that he had told the guard to lock the door. "You see, it isn't as if you were an ordinary looking girl," he explained; "a man wouldn't get a glimpse of you without wanting to take second, and it's best to be careful. I'm engaged to watch over you, and I must do it." He was so happy, so boyishly gratified at his own importance, that Stella could not help laughing. "I believe you are thoroughly enjoying the wickedness of the thing, Frank," she said, with a little sigh that had not much of unhappiness. "No," he said; "but I want to hear Lord Leycester say, 'Thank you, Frank,' and to see him smile when he says it. Do you think he will let me go with you, or will he send me back, Stel?" Stella shook her head. "I do not know," she answered; "I feel like a person groping in the dark. Go with us! Yes, you must go with us!" she added. "Frank, you must go with me!" "I'll stay with you till doomsday, and go to the end of the world with you," he responded, "if he will let me!" It seemed a long journey to both of them; to Frank, in his impatience; to Stella, in the whirl of excited and conflicting emotions. But at last they reached Vauxhall. Frank got the door unlocked and gave up the tickets; then he stepped out on to the platform, telling Stella to remain in the carriage for a moment while he examined the ground. But there was not much need for caution; as he stepped out, a thin, strange-looking old man came up to him. "Mr. Etheridge!" he asked. Frank replied in the affirmative. The old man nodded.