“But—” Lexy began, and then stopped. She had a very odd feeling that this story was somehow of great importance to her, but that she must put it away, that she must keep it in her mind until later. This wasn’t the time to think about it. “Joe,” she said, “I want to hear more about this—all about it; but not now. I’m too tired.” He gave himself a shake, like a dog. Then he turned to her with a slow, good-natured smile. “I guess you are!” he said. “Lucky for you I just happened to be late to-night, taking them Ainsly girls ’way out to their house after a dance. Hop in, miss!” Lexy got in, and they set off. She leaned back and closed her eyes, but they flew open again as if of their own accord. There was something she wanted to see. Through the glass she could see Joe’s burly shoulders, a little hunched—Joe, who, like herself, wasn’t sure. “Not now!” said something inside her. “Don’t think about that now. Try not to think at all. Wait! Something is going to happen.” At the corner of the road leading to Mrs. Royce’s, she tapped on the window. Joe stopped the cab with a jerk, sprang down from his seat, and ran around to open the door. “What’s the matter, miss?” “Nothing,” said Lexy. “I’m sorry if I startled you, Joe. I thought I’d get out here and slip into the house quietly, without disturbing any one.” Joe grinned sheepishly. “I’ve got kind of jumpy since—that,” he said. “Howsomever, come on, miss!” “Oh, I don’t mean to trouble you!” “I’m going to see you safe inside that there house!” Joe declared firmly. Grateful for his genuine kindness, Lexy made no further protest. Side by side they walked down the lane, their footsteps noiseless in the thick dust, and Joe opened the garden gate without a sound. “I thought perhaps I could climb up that tree and get in at my window,” Lexy whispered. “I’ll do it for you,” said Joe, “and come down and let you in by the back door.” He was up the tree like a cat. He went cautiously along a branch, until he could reach the roof of the shed with his toes. He dropped down on the roof, and Lexy saw him disappear into her room. She went to the back door. In a minute she heard the key turn inside, and the door opened. “Thank you ever so much, Joe!” she whispered. But he paid no attention to her. He stood still, drawing deep breaths of the night air. “Them roses!” he said. “The smell of ’em made me kind of sick, like. Throw ’em out, miss! Don’t go to sleep with them roses in the room!” Lexy did not answer for a time. “I’ll see you to-morrow, Joe,” she said. “I’ll pay you for the taxi, and have a talk with you. And thank you, Joe, ever so much!” He touched his cap, murmured “Good night,” and off he went.