"Where are you going to stop?" asked Pat, linking his arm in that of the Australian. "The Tavistock," replied Ronald, "the Australian cricketers generally stop there, so it will feel home-like." "I'll go there too," sail Ryan promptly, "we'll go to the Alhambra or the Empire to-night, and to-morrow call at the Langham." "To see whom?" "Oh a lot of passengers are going to stop there; Miss Lester among the number," said Pat, with a slight blush. "Oh Pat, your heart is lost there," observed Ronald, smiling. "And what about your own and the girl from Malta?" asked Pat, whereat Master Ronald also blushed, and the two friends went below to get their stewards to look after their luggage. Among those who had come on board was a tall elderly gentleman, very straight and severe-looking, scrupulously dresses, with gold-rimmed spectacles, accompanied by a pretty, vivacious-looking brunette, who was clinging to his arm. "I don't see her Bell," said the gentleman, looking inquiringly round. "Perhaps she's below papa," said the young lady. "Oh!" with a little scream, "there she is--there she is--Carmela! Carmela!" and with another ejaculation, she ran forward to where Miss Cotoner was standing talking to Vassalla. "My dear Bell," said Carmela kissing her, "how good of you to come and meet me; how do you do Sir Mark?" and she gave her hand to the elderly gentleman, who now advanced. "I am pleased to see you looking so well my dear Carmela," he said in cold, measured tones, and then turned an inquiring glance on Vassalla. "My cousin," said Carmela introducing him; "this is his first visit to England." Sir Mark and the Marchese both bowed and murmured something, indistinctly. "We are stopping at the Langham Carmela," said Bell brightly, looking up in Miss Cotoner's face; "papa doesn't like our town house you know, and we're going to stay a fortnight in town! Isn't it Jolly?" "Bell!" reproved her father, "do not use slang I beg of you." "I can't help it," said the vivacious Bell, "it was born with me, and--Oh my!" with another little scream, "what a good-looking boy! who is he?" The quartette turned their heads and saw Ronald, looking handsome and high-bred in his frock coat and tall hat, advancing, evidently with the idea of saying good-bye. "It's Mr. Monteith," said Carmela, paling a little at the thought that she might not see him again. "You are going away?" she asked, aloud, holding out her hand. "Yes," he answered, gravely; "Mr. Ryan is with me, and I am going to explore the wilds of London." "Let me introduce you," said Carmela, despite the black looks of Vassalla; "Sir Mark Trevor, Mr. Monteith; Miss Trevor, Mr. Monteith." The Australian bowed in his usual grave manner, and then said good-bye to Carmela. "I shall see you, I presume, in London?" he said, lingering a little. "If you like to call at the Langham Hotel, I shall be there for a fortnight," she answered, and his face lit up with a happy smile as he went off.