'They are rather sans cérémonie here, but don't be alarmed. I shall take care of you. Trust to me, and permit me,' he added, drawing her little hand over his left arm, and leading her away in a direction opposite to where he knew Cadbury was doing his utmost to get free of the crowd. 'Do not be alarmed,' he resumed, 'we shall soon restore you to your friend.'
He spoke most suavely, as though he was, what he wished her to think him—a chivalrous and gallant protector, and, sooth to say, Alison was glad to hear an English voice, and to see some one who appeared like an English gentleman, and, externally, Sir Jasper certainly was one.
'This way, please; let me draw you out of the crowd,' said he, guiding her towards one of the saloon doors.
'How rude—how rough the people are,' exclaimed Alison, with reference to the crowd that separated her from Lord Cadbury, of whom she could see nothing now, and the hubbub of the kermesse on the stage was stunning.
'Well,' said Sir Jasper, with a lazy smile, 'they are not the crème de la crème of Antwerp, nor crème of any kind; and, truth to tell, I was surprised to see you here.'
'Indeed!' exclaimed Alison, with annoyance at having been lured, as she certainly was, into a false position.
At that moment Mr. Hawksleigh, who had been in the corridor, came to say that Lord Cadbury, being unable to find the young lady, had gone to the Café or Restaurant au Progrès.
'Without me!' exclaimed Alison.
'His lordship felt faint, and awaits you there.'
'Did he say so?'