Before Tom Hescott turns the corner Rylton knows it is his.

But his companion! "Why, there you are, Rylton!" says Colonel Neilson at the top of his voice.

"By Jove! well met! We've been disputing about a point in the tenant right down here, and you can set us straight!" Rylton can hardly account to himself for the terrible revulsion of feeling he endures at this moment.

Is it joy?
_Can_ it be joy?
What is she to him or he to her?
Yet positively it is a most thankful joy he feels as he sees these two men approaching him together.

After all, Minnie Hescott had been right.