so to speak, one of the old aristocracy. Beneath the snug
characteristics of the latter-day student--his sweet abhorrence of a
rag, his nasty delight in plays which he calls 'hot-stuff,' his
cigarettes and his chess-playing--beneath these my head, like
Henley's, is bloody but unbowed. Forgive a tear."

The shower ceased; the tea was finished; the pretty waitress was coyly
singeing her modesty in the attractive candle of Mr. Franklyn's
suggestions. George left them at the game; strolled aimlessly towards
the Marble Arch; beyond it; to the right, and so into a quiet square.

Here comes my heroine.



II.

The hansom, as George walked, was coming towards him--smartly, with a
jingle of bells; skimming the kerb. As it reached him (recall that
shower) the horse slipped, stumbled, came on its knees.

Down came the shafts; out shot the girl.

The doors were wide; the impetus took her in her stride. One tiny foot
dabbed at the platform's edge; the other twinkled--patent leather and
silver buckle--at the step, missed it, plunged with a giant stride for
the pavement.

"Mercy!" she cried, and came like a shower of roses swirling into
George's arms.