"Is it possible? Then he must be following you."
"He is!"
"Well, I shall protect you, so do not fear," whispered Nick Smithers. "Remember, we are to be married to-day. He shall not stop you. He can't do it, for you are twenty-one."
"Oh, Lancelot, I—I am so afraid!"
By this time the small man had reached the table at which the couple were seated. He stared in amazement.
"Hullo, Miss Jacobotson, what are you doing here?" he cried.
"Don't touch me!" screamed the young lady, wildly. "Don't touch me."
"This young lady is under my protection," came loftily from Nick Smithers.
"Really?" said the small man. "Since when?"
"Never mind since when. She is under my protection, and I do not want you to molest her."