There was no mistaking that tall, dark figure, as it rested against the parapet with a listless grace.

There she stood, in her long black cloak and gown, the last dim light of evening falling tenderly on her pale, resolute young face.

There she stood--not three months since the spoiled darling of her parents; the priceless treasure of the household, never left unprotected, never trusted alone--there she stood in the lovely dawn of her womanhood, a castaway in a strange city, wrecked on the world! Vagabond as he was, the first sight of her staggered even the dauntless assurance of Captain Wragge.

As she slowly turned her face and looked at him, he raised his hat, with the nearest approach to respect which a long life of unblushing audacity had left him capable of making.
"I think I have the honor of addressing the younger Miss Vanstone ?" he began.

"Deeply gratified, I am sure--for more reasons than one." She looked at him with a cold surprise.