The thought that he was several years her junior produced a reasonless sigh.
At length the couple turned from the roundabout towards the door of Mrs.
Harnham's house, and the young man could be heard saying that he would accompany her home.

Anna, then, had found a lover, apparently a very devoted one.

Mrs.Harnham was quite interested in him.

When they drew near the door of the wine-merchant's house, a comparatively deserted spot by this time, they stood invisible for a little while in the shadow of a wall, where they separated, Anna going on to the entrance, and her acquaintance returning across the square.
'Anna,' said Mrs.Harnham, coming up.

'I've been looking at you! That young man kissed you at parting I am almost sure.' 'Well,' stammered Anna; 'he said, if I didn't mind--it would do me no harm, and, and, him a great deal of good!' 'Ah, I thought so! And he was a stranger till to-night ?' 'Yes ma'am.' 'Yet I warrant you told him your name and every thing about yourself ?' 'He asked me.' 'But he didn't tell you his ?' 'Yes ma'am, he did!' cried Anna victoriously.