"Not at all," he said. "I've had a most interesting night. I wish you'd let me know the end of the tale some day." "If it is a happy ending, you shall," said Beatrice. She halted a moment, motioned to Lionel to pass out before her, and then turned. "If you see us again, be careful never to recognize or speak to us; it might mean danger--not only to you, but us." He smiled but said nothing. Beatrice and Lionel moved away in the light of the early dawn. Mr. Hedderwick closed the door gently and stood deep in thought for a moment. "What an adventure ... what a splendid woman ... what a jolly chap!" his thoughts ran. "How different their life from mine! Here am I, tied to the same holiday year after year ... afraid to call my soul my own ... why, why should I not have a holiday on my own account--a holiday ... by myself for once. Something new ... something out of the common...." "Robert!" said a threatening voice from the drawing-room, and he leaped. "Come in! I have something to say to you!" The tone told him what the "something" would be. His thoughts raced furiously during the next twenty seconds, but he had wit enough to answer, "Yes, Alicia! Wait till I have locked the door!" Then with a swift but silent movement he slipped on a greatcoat and hat and stealthily opened the door again. He peered out.... Yes, there was hope and an object, for he could see, some hundred and fifty yards away, the figures of Beatrice and her escort. With a gasp Mr. Hedderwick muttered, "_I will_!" He pulled the door to behind him and set out furtively, but with a resolute swiftness, in pursuit. CHAPTER IX ENTER TONY WILD