out a hand, into which she put hers very shyly; "from what I remember of
my visit to your place, I think two visitors are better than one."

"I don't know whether granny will think so," said Carrie, still in the
same altered voice.

She was shy, modest, charming. All her femininity had returned, and both
the young men felt the influence of the change.

Dudley, who had instinctively stepped back to make way for his friend,
was watching them both with surprise and uneasiness.

"We must risk Mrs. Higgs's displeasure," said Max, dryly, "unless,
indeed, Dudley," and he turned to his friend, "you will give up this
expedition altogether, as I strongly advise."

But Dudley had made up his mind. He did not want Max to go with him, but
he was resolved to go to the wharf. And his friend's heart failed within
him at the news.

"Don't you think it would be advisable to get a policeman to accompany
you?" he hazarded in a low voice.

But Dudley started violently at the suggestion.

"Policeman!" repeated he in a louder tone than Max had used. "Good
heavens, no!"

Max, looking round, saw that Carrie had overheard; but she betrayed no
emotion at the suggestion, even if she felt any.