not presented to him, paused for a moment, but Nancy waved to him
commandingly, 'Straight on!'

They reached Charing Cross. Horace, who took no part in the
conversation, and had dropped behind, at this point found an
opportunity of stealing away. It was Crewe who first remarked his
absence.

'Hollo! where's your brother?'

'Gone, evidently.--Hush! Don't say anything. Will you do something
for me, Mr. Crewe?'

'Of course I will. What is it?'

Nancy pursued in a low voice.

'He's gone to meet Fanny French. At least, he told me so; but I want
to know whether it is really Fanny, or some one else. He said they
were to meet in front of the Haymarket Theatre. Will you go as
quickly as you can, and see if Fanny is there?'

Crewe laughed.

'Like a bird!--But how am I to meet you again?'

'We'll be at the top of Regent Street at nine o'clock,--by Peter
Robinson's. Don't lose time.'

He struck off in the westerly direction, and Barmby, looking round