for the ferry, only reaching it just as the boat was in the act of casting off. As it was I had to jump for it, and on reaching the deck should have fallen in a heap but for a helping hand stretched out to me. I looked up to tender my thanks when to my intense surprise I discovered my benefactor was none other than the man to whom I have just been referring. His surprise seemed even greater than mine, and muttering something about "a narrow shave" he turned and walked quickly aft. My mind was now made up, and I reported my discovery to Beckenham, pointing out the man and warning him to watch for him when he was abroad without me. This he promised to do.
Next morning I donned my best attire (my luggage having safely arrived), and shortly before eleven bade Beckenham good-bye and betook myself to Potts Point to call upon the Wetherells. It would be impossible for me to say with what variety of emotions I trod that well-remembered street, crossed the garden, and approached the ponderous front door, which had always seemed to me so typical of Mr. Wetherell himself. The same butler who had opened the door to me on the previous occasion opened it now, and when I asked if Miss Wetherell were at home gravely answered, "Yes, sir," and invited me to enter. Though I had called there before it must be remembered that this was the first time I had been inside the house, and I must own the display of wealth in the hall amazed me.
I was shown into the drawing room—a large double chamber beautifully furnished and with an elegantly painted ceiling—while the butler went in search of his mistress. A few minutes later I heard a light footstep outside, a hand was placed upon the handle of the door, and before I could have counted ten Phyllis—my Phyl-
