"This looks like a departure," said Alden Lytton, as he gave her his arm to lead her to the carriage.
"It may be a departure," she answered; "and I must take this, perhaps last, opportunity of thanking you for all your brotherly kindness to me. If I should not return by six o'clock this evening, please give up my room."
"I will do so," said Alden Lytton. "And in that case I also shall give up my room, for I think I shall be able to get through with my business to-day. If you should be returning to Virginia I should be pleased to escort you back."
"Thanks! But I rather think that I shall try the school. That will do. I am very comfortable. Thanks, very much!" she added, as she settled herself in the seat where he had placed her.
"Where shall I tell the coachman to drive?" inquired Alden.
"Tell him to call first at the reading-room at the corner of the next street. I wish to look at the directory there before going further."
This order was given to the coachman, who immediately started his horses.
In a very few minutes the carriage drew up before the reading-room door.
Mary Grey—as I still prefer to call her—got out and ran into the room.
Craven Kyte was there, trying to interest himself in a morning paper. As soon as he saw her he dropped the paper and started to meet her.