Eugene came forward with a rush to meet the lady. He was dressed for a walk and insisted that Marion should accompany him.
"I am on my way to my music scholars," explained the visitor, taking the little fellow in her arms. "Some time you shall go with me."
"I'm going to walk with you," said his mother haughtily.
"How can I aid you, dear friend?" asked Marion, when the outer door had shut upon the others.
"Did you meet a gentleman as you came in?"
"I did. I can guess that he is Mr. Cheriton."
"Oh, no! no! Would that he were here. Juliette is so young: she does not consider; she is—I am pained to say so—she is imprudent. Arthur has no right to leave her unprotected. She wrung her hands in great distress, her eyes full of tears.
"Who is he?"
"His name is Alford. Juliette accompanied one of our fellow-boarders to the theatre, and was introduced to him there. He has been here every day since. She has just promised, in my presence, and contrary to my wishes, to go to the theatre with him to-night. I am powerless to prevent it. What must I, what can I do?"
"Alford," repeated Marion. "Do you know his Christian name?"