It was the intention of my employer, Mr.Prince, to introduce me to you and your mother.

I suppose he considers it part of my duties here.

I must warn you that, if you are here when he returns, he will insist upon it, and upon your meeting me with these ladies at dinner." "Perhaps so--he is my mother's friend," said Maruja; "but you have the advantage of us--you can always take to the road, you know." The smile with which she had intended to accompany this speech did not come as readily in execution as it had in conception, and she would have given worlds to have recalled her words.

But he said, "That's so," quietly, and turned away, as if to give her an opportunity to escape.

She moved hesitatingly towards the passage and stopped.