The policeman looked uncertain, but at that moment a young man riding a bicycle appeared upon the scene, at sight of whom Marjorie's face brightened, and she uttered a little gasp of relief. "That young gentleman knows," she exclaimed joyfully, and, quite forgetful of her aunt's snub of the evening before, she darted forward, and hailed the youth on the bicycle quite as if she had been an old friend. "Oh, please excuse me for stopping you," she cried, eagerly, "but you know where I want to go, and I have forgotten the name of the hotel." The young man brought his bicycle to a standstill; sprang to the ground, and snatched off his cap. He was evidently very much surprised, but too polite to show it. "I beg your pardon," he said in a very pleasant voice; "can I be of any assistance to you?" "Yes," said Marjorie, frankly. "I saw you in the hotel dining-room last night, and I heard my cousin say you lived there. I came out for a walk before breakfast, and--it's very stupid I suppose--but I can't find my way back to the entrance where I came in." A look of comprehension came into the young man's pleasant face, and he regarded Marjorie with interest not unmixed with amusement. "I understand," he said; "you are staying at the 'Plaza,' and want to go back there." "Yes, that is the name," said Marjorie, looking much relieved; "will you please show me the way to the gate?" "Certainly," said her new acquaintance, smiling, and he at once began to lead the way, pushing his bicycle along beside him. "Oh, don't you want to get on your wheel again?" Marjorie inquired anxiously. "I can easily follow if you don't go too fast." The young man protested that he had ridden quite long enough, and would be glad of a little walk. "You are very kind," said Marjorie, heartily. "It was very stupid of me to lose my way; I never was lost before." "And do you often walk here in the park?" her new friend inquired, politely. "Oh, no, I was never here before. I only came to New York yesterday; my home is in Arizona." "You have come a long distance," he said. "And how do you like New York--that is to say as much as you have seen of it?" "I think it is very noisy and rather smoky, but the hotel is beautiful, and so is this park. I haven't seen much of New York yet, but I am going to spend the winter here." "I quite agree with you as to the noise and smoke," said her companion, smiling, "but New York is a pretty jolly place notwithstanding. It isn't my home either; I am from Virginia." "Yes, I know you are," said Marjorie, innocently. "You came here to go to college, and your mother is with you. My cousin told us all about it last evening at dinner." The young man laughed outright. It was such a merry laugh that Marjorie could not help joining in it, and after that they were excellent friends.