It was lighted up cheerfully, however, we saw on approaching, and a hack stood before the door. I indicated to my companion that this was the house, and would have turned away, but at that moment the door opened, and two girls came out and descended the steps. The light from the hall, as well as that of a street-lamp, fell full upon them. There was no mistaking Miss Mullin, and her companion was Phenie,—in a gay little hat set saucily back from her face, the foolish, pretty laugh ringing from her lips.
The two girls tripped lightly across the pavement toward the carriage. As they did so, the door was opened from within (the occupant, for reasons best known to himself, preferring not to alight), and a well-clad, masculine arm was gallantly extended. Miss Mullin, giggling effusively, was about to enter, followed close by Phenie, when, with a smothered cry, Dockett darted forward and placed himself between them and the carriage.
"Phenie," he said, his voice shaking a little. "Phenie, where was you a-goin'?"
The young girl started back, confused.
"Law, Columbus!" she faltered, in a scared, faint voice.
In the meantime, the man in the carriage put his face out of the door, and eyed the intruder, for an instant, arrogantly. Then, affecting to ignore his presence altogether, he turned toward the two girls with a slightly impatient air, saying, in an indescribably offensive tone:
"Come, ladies, come. What are you stopping for?"
Dockett, who had been holding Phenie's little hand speechlessly, let it fall, and turned toward the carriage excitedly.
"Miss Angel is stoppin' to speak to me, sir," he said. "Have you got anything to say ag'inst it?"
The occupant of the carriage stared haughtily at him, broke into a short laugh, and turned again toward the girls.