more and more conscious. "The denizens of Avenue A have several
cab-stands, of course," he replied, "but they prefer to keep them over
on Fifth Avenue."

"It was a foolish question, I suppose" coldly retorted Constance, quite as
moved thereto by the scrutiny as by the words, "but I did not even notice
where the carriage was driving when we came here. Can you tell me the
nearest car line which will take me to Washington Square?"

"As it is five blocks away, and the neighbourhood is not of the nicest, I
shall take the liberty of walking with you to it."

"Really, I would rather not. I haven't the slightest fear," protested the
girl, eager to escape both the observation and the obligation.

"But I have," calmly said her companion, as if his wish were the only
thing to be considered.

For a moment Miss Durant vacillated, then, with a very slight inclination
of her head, conveying the smallest quantity of consent and acknowledgment
she could express, she walked out of the porte-cochere.

The doctor put himself beside her, and; they turned down the street, but
not one word did she say. "If he will force his society upon me, I will at
least show him my dislike of it," was her thought.

Obviously Dr. Armstrong was not disturbed by Miss Durant's programme, for
the whole distance was walked in silence; and even when they halted on the
corner, he said nothing, though the girl was conscious that his eyes still
studied her face.