"You were not going out, surely, Mrs. Ravener?" he asked, a few seconds later.

"I was going out, and I am going out," said I with beautiful redundancy.

"You will take cold," he suggested, quickly; "the night air is very chilly, you know."

"Good-night, Captain Dillington,"—preparing to join Arthur. "I presume you intend remaining with us. You do not think of going up to town at this hour?" Sweetly hospitable, but I could not help it.

"Oh, no."

"Au revoir, then."

"Let me take you to your husband, Mrs. Ravener; you may stumble again, you know."

"Thank you, Captain Dillington, I can find my way."

"Let me accompany you; I am in no hurry to retire."

"No," I said sharply. "I should make no more ceremony with you than you do with me, if I wanted you. I wish to see Arthur, alone—alone, Captain Dillington."

"As you wish." He shrugged his shoulders,