He joined the Raymond party on the twelfth of January, according to his plans, and found himself among a very pleasant company of gentlemen and ladies, young men and maidens, all enthusiastic in view of their trip. He was particularly attracted by the appearance of one young man, who, like himself, was traveling alone, and after one or two interviews, being mutually pleased with each other, they decided to become traveling companions. On the third day after starting Rupert’s new friend, who, by the way, had introduced himself as Harry Webster, remarked to him: “I say, Hamilton, have you noticed that dainty little piece of humanity opposite, who is traveling with that old codger, Mr. Knight, they call him?” “Yes; she is a very attractive young lady,” Rupert answered, as his eyes wandered to a trio who occupied seats a little in front of the young men on the opposite side of the car. “I wonder who she is.” “Our list will probably tell us,” remarked Mr. Webster, as he drew the card from his pocket. “Yes, I have found it. Mr. Robert G. Knight, Miss E. F. Knight, and Miss Virginia Alexander.” “Ah, then the old gentleman and lady must be brother and sister, and the young lady some friend, perhaps a niece, who is traveling with them,” said Rupert. “The old gentleman appears to be remarkably fond of her though,” returned Mr. Webster. “Yes; but the old lady keeps guard over her as if she feared that some brigand was in ambush, waiting to abduct her pretty charge to regions unknown,” Rupert responded with a roguish twinkle in his eye. “What do you say to making a raid upon the party?” proposed his companion. “Now I am bent upon getting acquainted with that pretty girl, if for nothing more than to show that prim spinster that I can do it. Will you join me, or does such a proposition shock your English ideas of etiquette?” “I confess I should prefer to have a formal introduction,” Rupert returned, flushing slightly, but regarding that graceful figure with a look of unmistakable admiration. The maiden whom the young men had been discussing was indeed a very lovely girl, about eighteen years of age. She was a trifle above the medium height, having a slender, willowy figure, with a peculiar grace and animation in every movement. Her glossy brown hair was twisted into a shining coil at the back of her head, which was crowned with a pretty hat of gray felt, trimmed with velvet of the same shade and a single scarlet wing. She wore a closely fitting ulster, trimmed with fur, which showed her perfect form to great advantage; a plain linen collar was fastened at her throat with a brooch of dull red gold, and tiny ornaments of the same metal were in her small ears. Her eyes were a dark brown, and quick and restless in their glances; her features were beautifully clear and delicate; the glow of perfect health was on her cheeks; her lips were a vivid red and her complexion very pure.