He was so taken aback by the determined refusal of Miss Carr to renew their acquaintance that he stood back involuntarily, recovering himself though, directly, and approaching once more; but he was too late: Miss Carr had taken my arm, and I led her to the carriage, the footman, who had seen her, taking the wraps and a case or two from the maid, whom he ushered to a cab, which was then being loaded with luggage, as I sprang in beside my patroness, and gave the word to the coachman, "Home!" I was too young not to feel excited by the importance of my position, and as the horses started and the carriage moved forward, think now that I must have been more than human if I had not darted a look of triumph at John Lister, as he stood there just beneath one of the swinging lamps, his brow furrowed and a furious look of disappointment and malice upon his face. I heard Miss Carr draw her breath as if with pain, but the next moment her hands were in mine. "My dear Antony," she exclaimed, "I am very glad to get back. Why, my dear boy, what a difference one year has made in you." "Has it?" I said, laughing. "Oh, yes! Why, Antony, you will soon be growing into a man." "I hope so, Miss Carr; but I don't think you look well." "No?" "You look thin and careworn." "Marseilles is a very hot place, Antony," she said evasively, "and does not suit English people. Of course, you are my property this evening, Antony. You have no engagement?" "No," I said, smiling. "I should have gone to spend the evening with Mr Hallett if I had been alone." Her hand gave a slight twitch as I said these words, and her voice sounded a little hoarse as she continued: "You must come and dine with me, Antony, and we will have a long, long chat. It seems like old times to be with you again." I was delighted to have her back, and chatted on in the most unreserved way, until we reached Miss Carr's house, where the door flew open as the carriage stopped. I jumped down, and was in the act of holding out my right hand and the carriage-door open with the left, when I started with surprise; for a swift hansom cab had brought John Lister there before us, and he stood on the other side, holding out his hand. "I must speak to you, Miriam!" he exclaimed in a low voice, when, seeing her shrink back in alarm, and with an unmistakable look of horror in her face, boy as I was, I felt some sense of manhood flush to my cheek, and, feeling no fear of him for the moment, I placed my hand upon his chest, and thrust him with all my might away. "Stand back, sir!" I cried, "or I call the police." Ere he could recover from his astonishment, Miss Carr had lightly touched my hand, stepped out, and hurried in, while I, with my heart beating fast at my temerity, slowly closed the brougham-door, and stood facing John Lister.