"Yes, but I felt a little awkward without a chaperone. You seemed to get on very well with my cousin. You scarcely spoke to us in the Long Walk till just before we came away. What were you talking about?" Mary burst into a gay laugh. "All sorts of nonsense," she said. "I don't think I ever talked so much nonsense in my life. I hope he isn't shocked. I don't think he is. But I said anything that came into my head. I couldn't help it. You don't think it wrong?" "Wrong, dear? No, I'm sure you could say nothing wrong." "I'm not so sure of that. But, Katie dear, I know there is something on his mind." "Why do you think so?" "Oh, because he stopped short twice, and became quite absent, and seemed not to hear anything I said." "How odd! I never knew him do so. Did you see any reason for it?" "No; unless it was two men we passed in the crowd. One was a vulgar-looking wretch, who was smoking--a fat black thing, with such a thick nose, covered with jewelry--" "Not his nose, dear?" "No, but his dress; and the other was a homely, dried-up little man, like one of your Englebourn troubles. I'm sure there is some mystery about them, and I shall find it out. But how did you like his friend, Katie?" "Very much, indeed. I was rather uncomfortable at walking so long with a stranger. But he was very pleasant, and is so fond of Tom. I am sure he is a very good friend for him." "He looks a good man; but how ugly!" "Do you think so? We shall have a hard day to-morrow. Good night, dear." "Good night, Katie. But I don't feel a bit sleepy." And so the cousins kissed one another, and Miss Winter went to her own room. CHAPTER XXVII--LECTURING A LIONESS