Norine was very quiet during the journey, and Jim thought she cried a little at times; but with the changes to be made and his little flock to care for, he had no time to devote to idle speculation. Traveling is like everything else--it has to be learned by experience--and both Jim and Norine were too ignorant, as travelers, to enjoy the many comforts while en route. On reaching New York, they were driven to the Waldorf, where they were to stay for a few days, while their new home was being put in order for them. CHAPTER XX. THE MEETING. Mr. James Elwell was far from being pleased with the idea of Miss Lettie Allan becoming an intimate friend to his future wife. And the announcement that that attractive young lady was to be an attendant at his approaching wedding disquieted him considerably. True, he was not particularly honorable himself, and she had served him a good turn by entertaining Fanny, and thereby preventing exposures that might have affected his speculation. He was willing to acknowledge all this, and pay for it, if necessary; but that must be the end of it. As a temporary acquaintance, to accomplish certain purposes, Miss Allan might be very desirable, but as an inmate of his future family she was not to be thought of. So this rising young man, after recovering from the stupor he had been thrown into by his bride’s announcement, set out to prevent, if possible, the consummation of this visit. It was not until the day set for his departure, however, that he called on Mr. Peter Coleman at his office. “Coleman,” he said abruptly, as he entered the office, “this thing has got to be stopped.” “What thing?” inquired Peter. “This proposed visit of your friend,” replied Elwell. “I can not allow it.” Peter looked greatly disquieted. “I don’t see what harm can come of it,” he said. “You must allow that she served you well here, and behaved herself.” “That is all well enough,” replied Elwell haughtily. “I will admit the service, and pay for it; but that must be all. I cannot consent to any further intimacy between Miss Allan and my future wife.” “I have no desire to see them intimate,” said Peter quietly. “But I do not see how you are going to prevent this visit. My advice would be to pay no attention to it. After you are married, you can easily explain things to your wife, and that will end it. Better let it alone until then----” “That’s all nonsense,” interrupted Elwell angrily. “I don’t propose to wait until then. Understand me: This visit is not to take place. You can settle with her in any way you see fit; but she _must_ not go!” “What am I to do to prevent it?” inquired Coleman. “Anything you see fit, so long as you prevent it. Here, pay her what she wants. That is the best way.” And he took a roll of banknotes from his pocket and threw part of them on the desk. There was an odd expression on the lawyer’s face as he watched the notes flutter on the desk in front of him.