The man bowed and withdrew.
“Monsieur,” said the baroness, when the old secretary made his appearance and respectfully saluted the company, “will you do me the favor to see Mrs. Wyvil home? The carriage waits.”
“With the greatest pleasure, madame,” answered the old gentleman, with his habitual deep bow, as he gallantly offered his arm to the young lady to lead her from the room.
The baroness drew Lilith up and kissed her cheek before giving her into the care of the polite old secretary, who took her in charge, and bowed himself out of his lady’s presence.
He led Lilith down the stairs, placed her in the carriage, took his seat by her side, and directed the coachman to drive to Mrs. Downie’s, number so and so, such a street.
It was so late when they reached their destination that all the lights were out in the house, except those of the front parlor.
The old Frenchman left the carriage, helped Lilith to alight, and led her up to the door. Nor did he leave her until his ring was answered and an old lady appeared to receive the returning guest.
Then he bowed himself down the steps to the carriage and drove off.
“Oh, my dear, I was that uneasy about you; I was thinking of starting out to the hotel to inquire after you,” said Aunt Sophie, as she went into the front parlor to turn off the gas.
“Why should you have been uneasy? What harm could have happened to me even if I had started to come home alone through the streets of a crowded city?” inquired Lilith, as they went upstairs together.