Eveline

Chapter 5

How sweet is this country air! How lovely the blue water of the lake which sparkles in the sun beneath the shadow of the trees. Yet winter is upon us-winter in Cumberland. I have no taste to remain to encounter the snow, the cold. Chitterlings is delicious in the summer. It is not altogether such a residence as I should select for the winter months. Endover is still away in the North-shooting. I feel also much inclined for a little sport, though I fancy I should be on more congenial ground were I to be shot at and become the target of some gallant gun.

These subjects revolved themselves in my mind as I reached the great iron gates which gave entrance to the avenue. Mrs. Hodge, the gatekeeper's wife, ran out all wreathed in smiles to open them, a buxom, good-looking woman of some seven or eight-and-twenty years of age. After her came toddling a chubby lad of some three summers. A second held on by the lodge doorpost, just getting firm on his legs. I looked on well pleased to pause in my solitary walk, to regale my sight with a picture so rural, so natural, so unobtainable. No, money cannot purchase all. These are gifts for which nature refuses such dross, blessings which are sometimes unobtainable for all that wealth may have to offer.

"Good morning, Mrs. Hodge. Why bless me! What fine boys! Are those both your own?"

"Well, yes, my lady. They are mine-and my man's too. This is my eldest. Yonder one's my second. That's all, my lady-all at present, but there's another on the way."

"Ah, Mrs. Hodge, you are a lucky woman to have such splendid children. They are perfect little cupids."

"I don't know about cupids, my lady; this 'un's christened Christopher. The parson gave us the name, which it was a merchant captain which sailed over to America. Christopher Columbus his whole name was. That's Columbus standin' by the door. He's just a year old last week, my lady, and can walk and run till it's all I can do to catch him. But Lor' bless him! He's a good little lad, and happy as the day is long."

"I quite envy you. I fear such happiness is not for all in the world. Have you a good husband, Mrs. Hodge?"

"Lor' bless you, my lady, that I have! My Jock is never so happy as when his work's done and we sit inside together of an evening. He reads a lot then aloud to me, for you see, my lady, he works hard in the woods, cuttin' timber all day on the estate out yonder, and he takes his supper hearty, he does, and then he sits, and smokes, and reads."

"How long have you been married, Mrs. Hodge?"

"Nigh on to four years now, my lady."

"You've not lost any time, I perceive." I laughed. The good woman joined in my merriment.

"Lor', ma'am-your ladyship, I mean-I beg pardon-if you only knew how rampageous my Jock gets! Why, I had all the trouble in life to keep him decently quiet when we were courtin', and since we're married there's no holdin' him. He's like a mad horse, he is!"

"And what age is your husband, Mrs. Hodge?"

"Jock's nigh on a year younger nor me, my lady."

"Younger is he? That is rather unusual in these parts, is it not?"

"I dunno, my lady, but savin' your presence, his parents were both dead and gone. He had no home. I had saved up a bit o' money here in the dairy, and so they gave me the chance of the lodge if we chose to marry and look after it together."

"You're a happy woman, Mrs. Hodge."

Something in my voice seemed to raise all the woman's tender sympathy. She looked at me inquiringly.

"I hope, my lady, you won't think me too bold, but we've all of us on the estate been hopin' as how my lord might have a hare."

I pretended not to understand.

"I always thought hares were unusually plentiful this season about Chitterlings."

Mrs. Hodge looked nonplused.

"I don't mean hares wot run, but thems wot's bred and born."

"Oh, I see! Yes, now I see! It's very kind of you, I'm sure. At present, Mrs. Hodge, we must be content as we are."

The good woman drew closer. There was an air of mystery in her open honest face, a look almost of trouble. She shook her head as she slowly uttered her next remark.

"I shouldn't. No, there's something wrong somewhere. Savin' your presence, my lady-and your ladyship'll excuse me-but a lovely, beautiful, well-grown young lady like your ladyship has no call to be childless. Ye may send me off for my impertinence, or turn us awt of the lodge, but after being brought up on the estate, and its now nigh on twenty-nine year ago I was born on it, I do say as how your ladyship out to have a hare. I shouldn't-no, I shouldn't."

There was something in Mrs. Hodge's kindly meant comments which touched me. There was even a dimness in her eye as her broad, good-humored face looked almost affectionately into mine.

"No, I shouldn't be content. I know there's a main difference in the livin' and ways of great people and the likes of us poor folk, but if I were the lady of the manor without a hare I know that all the village would want to know the reason why. I can keep my mouth shut, my lady. I'm not a woman to go about gossiping about what don't concern me. I keeps to myself, but if your ladyship heard all they said, you would find they knew it wasn't your fault."

The woman looked so kindly sympathetic that I suppressed a natural inclination of resentment. It rose in my throat. What! I, the Countess of Endover, Lady of the Manor of Chitterlings in my own right, to be thus spoken to and pitied by a peasant on my estate! No, but it would not do. I broke down. The position was too strained. The tears rose to my eyes. Mrs. Hodge saw my distress. The kind, good- hearted woman's own sweet natural disposition came up beaming in her sympathetic look as she took my hand and kissed it.

"I know, I know, my lady. My lord takes his shootin'-takes his huntin'. He can do a long day in the covers, perhaps, but he's-he's not to be compared to us poor folk under the sheets."

"What do you mean, Mrs. Hodge? My husband-Lord Endover-is all that is kind; all that is-"

"Ah, no! My lady, you must excuse me-I mean no wrong. I only talk as I feel for your ladyship. It's not your fault. It's his!"

I withdrew my hand. An angry light must have shone in my eyes. My red blood flew to my cheek. I drew myself up. This woman's insolence should not go unpunished. It was bad enough to have been accosted thus, but to be an object of downright pity-no, this was too much! My husband too! The Earl to be thus discussed at my own park gate?"

"You are angry, my lady-and no wonder! I am only a poor ignorant woman. You are a great lady. I hope you will forgive me. I cannot bear that you should be angry with me. I meant all for the best. I could tell you more-that which would show you that I want to serve you truly."

I hesitated. There was an air of reality about the young woman I could not mistake. Her earnestness moved me strongly to listen further. She was quick enough to divine my thoughts.

"Come in here, my lady. I will explain all. I will tell you all I have to tell. The Lor' knows I have no cause to hide it. It's too well known already."

I entered the comfortable dwelling. Mrs. Hodge carefully dusted a chair with her apron. I sat down. She dropped on both knees in front of me, hiding her bonny face in her hands. Suddenly she looked up, her confidence seemed to return-her cheeks were wet with tears, red and mottled by contact with her hot hands.

"I want to tell you all about it. I always said to myself I would. It was not all my fault. I was so young then-only fifteen. He was old enough to have known better than to take advantage of a poor girl without experience. He was eddicated and rich, with ladies all round him ready for his asking. I was taken with his winnin' ways. I was foolishly proud of his noticin' me. He did what he liked with me. More's the pity. He said it was all a bit of fun and nonsense and that he would take care of me. So it was for him, but not for me. Father come to hear of it. Mother was dead then. The village all heard of it. They sneered at Father. It broke his heart. He beat me and turned me out o' doors. An old neighbor took me in out o' charity like. It killed Father. I was left alone. The Countess was kind to me-the last Dowager, I mean. She's dead now, and he-can you guess who he was? Yes, I know you do, my lady."

Down went her head again between the hands. I heard a low sobbing moan. Then she spoke again.

"Fortunately nothing come of my wrong doin'. I lived down most of the talk. Then Jock come in my way. He was always a good lad. A bit studious-like. Clever at farm work, strong, and cheery. I took to him. We married. The Dowager Lady Endover had left directions that they were to take care o' me. They gave us the lodge. Jock is keeper, as your ladyship knows, and woodman too."

Mrs. Hodge looked all round. Seeing that we were quite alone, but for the two children playing on the floor, she went on:

"It was then I knew why nothing hod come of my wrong doin'. He was not like my Jock. He had not the way of doing what men who take up with young girls ought-I mean are expected-to do. He was weak. Almost without any force at all after the novelty passed off. It was different with my Jock-my goodness, yes, my lady! I couldn't hold him. He was like a cage full o' lions under the blankets. There wasn't no stoppin' him. Under ten months my baby was born. My second was planted the first time as ever he touched me after I gave up sucklin' the first, and my lady, I don't mind telling you, my third is a- comin' the same. He's a good lad, my Jock is, and quiet steady one as loves his home, and I'm a happy woman."

Mrs. Hodge rose to her feet. She was quite dramatic in her excitement. As she unfolded her narration, the truth had gradually come home to me. It was the old story-only a penny novel. But there was more than that in it. This view struck me also. Every word was evidently true. She had told me at least one fact I recognized only too well. Very naturally she had fallen into an error in her knowledge of only half the facts. Very possibly, as regarded my matrimonial affairs, there existed a double disqualification. I felt angry at having been deceived. I had been married only a year. I felt I was looked upon all round as a failure-a disappointment. In a flash it occurred to me why the three sisters of the Earl had suddenly commenced a course of subservient patronage towards their cousin, the heir apparent to the title and the entail. It was even said the youngest was going to marry him. Many things hitherto hidden from my understanding became clear. The cousin, a worthless, idle creature, would obtain the title, Chitterlings would one day be his. My woman's instincts were aroused, my pride revolted.

"Go on, Mrs. Hodge. I am much interested. Alas! I think it is much as you say, but still I fear there is nothing to be done. I must be content to be as I am. You are blessed with two beautiful children, boys fit to be kings. You have a fine young fellow for a husband replete with health and strength, while I…"

The good woman dropped on her knees again. She came closer and gazed up into my face with a puzzled look I could not decipher.

"I shouldn't! No, my lady-not in your place-I shouldn't. It ain't in nature. What! Let all go to nobody knows where? A fine title! A fine estate! When all might be for you and yours but for the fault of a certain person who has passed his time in ruining his faculties. See, my lady; only see what might be yours! Look on my boys there-my Jock's the man that knows the trick! Oh, my dear lady, try my Jock?"

Mrs. Hodge clutched my hand, took it between her own, and slobbered it with her kisses as she knelt humbly before me.

"What, Eveline, my darling child, you are in town again-so unexpected too! I thought you had intended remaining some time longer down it Chitterlings."

"So I did, dear papa, but I have changed my mind. Ladies are apt to be fickle you know, and they are privileged to change their minds."

"But you are not fickle. You stick to your old love, my sweet girl, or your darling little hand would not be where it now is."

"Do you like to feel your little Eveline's warm hand there, dear papa? Is it nice? Does it make you feel you love your own little girl? Do you like my kisses? Do they give you pleasure? Is my tongue warm and soft? Is it all that which makes this sweet thing so stiff and broad and long? Oh, dear papa, let me caress it-let me-"

"Oh, my God, Eveline, you kill me with pleasure. Your tongue and your lips are maddening me. Take care-I shall fill your mouth!"

"Well, papa, and what then? Do I not love your sweet sperm?"

"Oh, stay-you drive me mad-not again! Oh! Oh! It is in your mouth. You are rolling your hot tongue round the nut. Oh! Good Lord! If you will-you must-there! There! Take it… take all! I spend! I die! Oh! My God, what pleasure!"

"You and I will sleep together tonight, dear papa, shall we not? You will make the bed go crickety crack when you are on the top of your own girl, will you not, papa?"

"There is a ball at Lady A 's in Eaton Square. You had an invitation, I know. It is for the day after tomorrow. Will you go, Eveline? A dance will do you good. If you will say, I will take you myself."

"Then I will go, dear papa. Endover is coming to London. I have sent for him to the North."

"What can be the matter, my darling? I hope nothing is wrong."

"Nothing is wrong in an ordinary sense, but I have come to a decision. I am not satisfied with the state of my health; not altogether sure that things might not be set right as regards my-my present condition, papa."

"Eveline, you alarm me. One would fear you are not well."

"I am quite well-and quite resolved. One thing is certain: I have been married over twelve months. Endover is becoming morose. He had given up domesticity. He goes here and there. He writes to inquire after every interval we pass together if I have any news for him. I understand what he means. I have none."

"My poor darling!"

"You remember our conversations, papa. Who knows what may be the cause of my sterility, for such it is. I have decided to consult a London physician. I have sent for my husband to hear his opinion after a proper examination. I should like you to be with him on that occasion, dear papa."

"I think you are very wise. The stake is an enormously important one. It is worth playing for. I will not disguise from you that the Earl has already lamented the loss of all his hopes in my hearing."

"We shall see. At any rate I will not leave this chance untried."

"Are you ready, Eveline? The carriage is at the door. Although you will not want for partners, I should not, in your place, be late. The supper is arranged, they tell me, for an unusually early hour. Lady A- likes her guests to dance, as sailors say, with the champagne all abroad."

"How dreadful, dear papa. I want no such stimulant. I have not danced since my marriage. You must give me a square dance. I do not think I shall care to waltz, though you know how I love it."

"Never mind. As Percy would say, 'Let's make a night of it!' I must leave you early. I have an important engagement to meet the new Viceroy at the club. He could only come down there late."

"Yes, I mean to make a night of it, papa. I may not have such a chance again. But come and take me home."

Papa laughed. I could see my humor made him nervous. He changed the subject.

"How superbly beautiful you look, my dear child! How lovely your dress, yet how simple! It does not look good enough for the Countess of Endover though; but it becomes you superbly. Oh! What gloves! Your long white kid gloves are absolutely ravishing. They look so infinitely delicate and soft. They fit like the skin they are, but then your darling little hand is perfect. Your bracelets too are selected with exquisite taste, so simple and yet so chaste. Your dress is curiously made-almost a divided skirt."

"Let us go then, dear papa. You kill me with your kind-hearted flattery. Endover cares nothing now for all the points, as he would call them, that enumerate."

The dancing had been in full swing for some time when we arrived. I found a chance to give papa his quadrille. Several young men were presented to me. I selected one-an old acquaintance. We waltzed together. He danced well. The music was good-the time perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The strains of the melody died away. The dancers stopped. Supper was announced. My partner thought himself the happiest of men to lead me downstairs to partake of it. I was thirsty. The champagne was grateful to my feverish palate. I left the table at the first opportunity. I wanted air. My head ached. I found myself in the entrance hall. The house door was open. An awning had been erected down to the curb. A solitary footman stood in attendance just below the steps. The night breeze was so refreshing. I looked behind; I was alone. I advanced a step or two beyond the doorway. I drew the hood of my opera cloak over my head.

"Looking for your carriage, miss? Shall I find it for you? It's too early, I think. Ours is the only one here at present."

"Oh, no! Thank you very much. It is not here. I felt faint. I want to breathe the fresh air. It is so fine tonight. The heat inside is oppressive."

"Yes, miss-lovely night-all the stars out. Would you like a quiet turn round in our carriage? It would do you good."

I took a rapid survey of the man. He was of the ordinary type-tall, good-looking to a certain extent, and wearing a livery which I did not recognize. It was equally evident he did not know me.

I flashed such a glance at him as I flatter myself Eveline knows how to lance with effect. He caught it in all its intensity.

"It would perhaps be nice. I suffer so-but-well, take me just round the half of the square at a walk. I think it would do my head good."

The footman whistled. A large closed landau and pair came up out of the darkness. He held open the door. I swiftly stepped in. As I half suspected he would, the man followed. He closed the door, giving a quiet direction as he did so to the coachman. The footman sat himself opposite on the edge of the seat with his back to the horses.

"I still feel faint-my head aches badly-the heat of the rooms was dreadful."

My self-imposed companion promptly whipped a fan out of the pocket behind him. He began agitating it gently before my face as I reclined on the comfortable cushions. The horses were going at a walk. The night was moonless. The gas lamps alone threw an uncertain streak of light into the carriage at intervals as we passed them. By their aid I furtively summed up my neighbor. He was evidently much agitated. His whole bearing betrayed an eagerness hardly compatible with his innocent employment. He had bent forward in order to fan me. The better to steady himself, he had rested his left hand on my knee. He pushed one of his sturdy legs between my knees. I felt his calf against mine. I was conscious of the pervading perfume which exhaled from myself in the close atmosphere. He evidently respired it. It seemed to madden him.

"There! You're better now, miss. It'll soon pass off."

I could see that his eyes were intent on my face which had emerged from my hood. He stole fervent glances at my bosom, also particularly on the gloved and delicate hands with the left of which I held my cloak not too tightly closed. The right pressed my lace kerchief to my lips. An irrepressible feeling of the absurdity of the situation possessed me. I had difficulty to restrain my inclination to laugh. He advanced his left hand a little further. He even pressed closer with his fingers. He moved his leg at the same time more boldly between mine.

"Oh! You must not do that. You are shockingly indelicate."

There was only coquetry in my voice; only an invitation in my glance. The man noted both. He grew bolder still. I felt quite as wanton as himself. My position became exceedingly critical.

"I think you have fanned me enough, thank you. It rather makes me cold. Oh! Pray, pray do not put your hand there. How dreadfully wicked you are!"

He closed the fan. It fell between us. In stooping to pick it up, his hand touched my ankle. Instantly I felt it slip up my calf. Just then we crossed the lamplight. I saw his face all flushed, his lips apart, his eyes dilated with strong sensuous craving. There was no stopping him now. I could stand it no longer. I tittered through my kerchief.

"Oh! Don't-pray don't! You must not do that! Indeed you are too bad! You tickle me!"

His hot hand advanced. He touched my knee. His left was under my clothes still. I put down my own in a well-feigned effort to restrain him. He seized it with his. He caressed it softly. He fondled the well- gloved fingers. He stroked the perfumed kid on my wrist and arm. Suddenly he drew my hand towards him. He pressed it down upon his person. He was now fairly aflame with desire. My hand, retained in his strong grasp, detected his condition. Within his garment I felt his limb. It was evidently a fine long one-stiff as buckram and very thick. The contact excited him further. I was just as bad.

"How delicious you are! Don't take your lovely little hand away."

A gentle squeeze was all my response. He took care I should not leave off my digital inspection. It fired my blood. He slightly jerked his loins. I bent my body nearer to his own. I repeated the squeeze even more suggestively. He pressed and rubbed my hand on his person.

"Do you feel so very naughty then? Let me look at it!"

He released his grasp. He quickly unbuttoned his trousers. He pulled up his shirt. A big red-topped member started out. Oh! How long it was, so dreadfully stiff! Curving slightly up, the swollen head already naked and staring me in the face. I put my gloved hand upon it. I took it in my palm. My right covered the protruding knob. I shook it. He could hardly retain his seat. He thrust his eager fingers into the front of my low dress.

"What shall I do with this? What a large one you have!"

I pressed back both my hands. He tried to raise my dress. I stopped him.

"Oh, no! It is impossible-you would rumple my skirt. You must be very gentle. Sit still-oh! Pray do!"

I love to finger a man's limb when it is of such splendid proportions. This man's was exquisitely molded. It stood awaiting my inspection. There was no reserve between us now. Modesty had flown out of the window. We understood each other perfectly.

"But what can we do? Pray do let me put it into you; I won't hurt you. I'll be as gentle as a lamb. I won't tumble your clothes. It won't take a minute. The coachman is 'fly'-no one will know. Let me pass my hand up. Let me feel all you've got."

"Ah! No-no! It won't do! I must go back. What do you think they would say to me if they saw me enter all tumbled and rumpled? Sit still-sit still! Oh, pray do! Is that nice!"

I moved both my hands gently up and down his huge limb. Each stroke covered and then exposed the red gland. He breathed heavily. He ceased his attack. He pushed his loins forward. His thing got harder still.

"Nice? Oh, yes! My God! It's delicious-it's heaven-but I can't stand it! You'll bring it on?"

"Bring it on? Do you mean that I should milk you? Is it so very nice? Like that? And so-like that? Do you like me to play with it?"

"Oh, yes! It's lovely-you'll make me come if you go on! You'll milk me, miss! Oh! Ah! Ugh! Do please stop a little!"

The horses had stopped. The carriage appeared to have drawn up under the trees close to the square railings in a dark place on the near side. I bent my head lower. I examined the man's limb as well as I could by the uncertain light. It was a model of manly health and vigor. I stooped lower still. My wet and eager lips touched the purple tip. How soft it was! How delicious the masculine fragrance. I kissed it repeatedly. A second later it slipped into my mouth. The man seemed to resign himself. He sighed with delight. My tongue thrust itself below the velvet plum-like nut. He pushed the head and shoulders quite into my gullet. I sucked it all I could. My gloved hands tickled and pressed the long shaft. He commenced to wriggle on the edge of the seat. He straightened his legs wide apart. He threw back his head.

"Oh, my God! Stop-no-go on! Go-oh! I'm coming!"

I obeyed-he thrust forward. I received a mouthful. He spent furiously. I held on. I caught it all to the last drop. I was half mad with the erotic pleasure. He groaned aloud in his spasmodic discharge as I drew spendings from him. I wiped my lips with my lace handkerchief. He sat up and rearranged his clothes. We listened; then my companion cautiously opened the carriage door and got out. I heard another voice.

"What have you got inside, Chris?"

"Oh! Don't ask-a reg'lar stunner! It's a young lady from the ball at No.. She's all right-she's-oh my! I can't speak yet, I've just done it. I've had such a time!"

"Well! Get out of the way! Keep a look-out for the sergeant-he won't be back along here just yet."

The door opened again-a strong light flashed into my face.

"Hullo! What's up here? What's up?"

The carriage door opened wider. A policeman thrust himself in and sat on the front seat.

"I don't know that I oughtn't to run you in, miss (they all called me 'miss'). There's been fine goings-on here! Well, I never! A handsome, beautiful young party like you! Why it makes my blood boil to look at yer! What have you two been adoin' of? I think I know. He's a nice young chap is Chris, but he's that clumsy, that's what he is. I should like a go at it myself! Give us a kiss, my beauty. There, don't be shy. It's only my way, you know?"

"Oh! Please, you mustn't put your hand there. You hurt-you are so rough. You will tear my dress. Let me alone, I say! Oh! Pray don't- don't do that!"

"Sit quiet. I'm in with these chaps. Why, they couldn't do nothing without me. It's on my beat, you see, miss. Sit quiet; I won't hurt you, but I mean to have you-like Chris did."

All this time he was pulling me about with his right hand. He was engaged in unbuttoning his clothes with the other. He had no shame. He pulled out a long white member. He shook it impudently at me in the uncertain light. He was a strong, tall man.

"Now, miss, you just keep quiet, or I shall have to spring my rattle."

"Oh, my goodness, policeman, how dreadfully naughty you are! But-oh, dear, dear me, what shall I do? Tell me-are you a married man?"

"Yes, I am that. I've a missus at home and three kids, but she ain't a patch upon you. You're just to my liking-a real beauty! But what do you want to ask that for?"

"Well-I don't know-but if you are really married-and if you are very, very gentle, perhaps-"

"Oh, shut up! I can't wait-here turn up your skirt-I want to see your legs."

The wretch put down his hands-he begged me to help him. I did all I could to save my dress. He saw my stockings up to above the knees. His truncheon was stiff enough in all conscience now. I saw it plainly sticking up in a wild erection. He pulled me forward to the edge of the seat. He slipped onto his knees. He had shoved one hand up my clothes. His other arm was round my loins pulling me towards him. His eager fingers were already in contact with my most private parts. Secretly I enjoyed his rough toying. My skirts were up now until he could see my white belly. He rudely pushed my thighs asunder.

"Oh, Christ! What a fine little bit you are! You make me awfully randy! Here! Take this in your hand. Come! No nonsense now. I can't wait, I tell you. I won't hurt you-put it in yourself."

He forced me to take his truncheon in my gloved hand. I squeezed it. It was level with the place he sought. He thrust forward. I let it slip in. He no sooner felt the hot contact then he pushed it up me, dragging me close to him. He thrust it in to the balls-he began to move.

"Now, I'll do the business for you, my lady! How do you like that?"

"Oh, policeman, how you do push! Oh! Oh! Ah! Not so hard-oh!"

The man worked violently up and down my vagina. He was too excited to be long over the job. He seized me as in a vice. Almost immediately I felt him spending. I went off also. I was in an agony of sensuous delight. His sperm was thick and hot. He waited a moment to recover his breath. He drew his limb out and got up. As he did so, I noticed a face against the window. It was the footman. He opened the door.

"Come out. I know you've had the young lady. I saw you through the glass. I'm awfully randy again. There's time yet. There ain't no one about. Look out a minute while I have a go."

He entered the carriage and closed the door. He let loose his huge member. It seemed stiffer and bigger than ever.

"Now, miss, I can't help it. I'm not going to be left out. He's had it, so shall I!"

"Oh, you beast! What are you doing? Let me alone-don't thrust my legs open-you'll kill me. What a size it is! Oh! Dear! It will never go in! Oh! Ah! Oh! Oh! You hurt-you're right into me!"

He had already penetrated. He forced the huge thing into me till he seemed to be right up my womb. He uttered no words. He only breathed hard and pushed me upwards in his strong excitement. Then his head fell on my shoulder. I knew he was spending. He emitted in short spasmodic jerks. Like his friend, he made haste to escape.

Before he could reclose the door, I heard the flick of a whip. A new and very gruff voice exclaimed:

"'Ere, I say! What the 'ell are you fellers about? I'm agoin' to get down. The old box is a-shakin' about that hawful, I can't 'old the bloody horses!"

Just then I heard a scramble. The policeman rushed across the road. The footman got up beside the coachman. The carriage was turned rapidly round and then went slowly back towards No.. I adjusted myself as well as I could. I pulled my large opera cloak over my head and was set down once more. I passed hastily in and gained the ladies' retiring room. I found myself alone. The wild strains of a lovely waltz were filling the air. I repaired damages and changed my gloves.

"Oh, my dear Eveline, I have been looking for you!"

"Poor papa! I had a headache, but it is better now. Have you been making a night of it? I have enjoyed myself thoroughly. Take me home now-I have danced enough!"