Presently Belle appeared, and the girls set off for the Museum. On their way home Belle went for a moment into a stationer’s.
“You need not come in,” she said to Annie; “just walk slowly on and I’ll soon overtake you.”
Annie had not gone a dozen yards before Rupert came up to her.
“I just thought I would meet you on the road home,” he said. “I have made up my mind; I shall call on you at Mrs. Acheson’s this evening.”
“Oh, Rupert, surely you wouldn’t dare?”
“Dare?” said Rupert; “why shouldn’t I dare? You are to introduce me to the Achesons as your brother. As to that girl you are staying with, anyone can take her in. I shall be at 30 Newbolt Square between eight and nine to-night. Look out for me, and don’t fail.”
He nodded and walked away. The next instant Belle came up.
“I saw you talking to a man,” said Belle. “Who was he? Do you know many men? Are you deceiving me, Annie Colchester?”
“Deceiving you? What do you mean?” said Annie.
“If you contemplate marriage you had better tell me so at once.”