"It's rather late, Miss Lee," he said, with his insolent smile; "so I may as well walk home with you."
"Thank you, Mr. Hardman," answered Milly—she never called him "Mr. Tom," as did the other girls—"I can manage very nicely by myself. I always walk fast, and I have always a great deal to think about."
"Then walk fast, and let me think with you," he said, with a laugh.
Mildred dared not offend him, and so she forced herself to accept his escort, although it was evident even to the self-confident young man she disliked it. They threaded the busy streets of Milltown, "Mr. Tom" raising his hat jauntily to passing acquaintances, Mildred keeping her eyes fastened on the ground, only anxious to reach the little white cottage where her mother and brothers and sisters were waiting tea for her return.
"There, Mr. Hardman," she said, trying to look good-humored, as he held open the gate; "I won't ask you to come in, because—"
"Oh, I know," exclaimed Tom, with an easy laugh. "Because you think the guv'nor would not like me to be visiting any of the girls. Never you mind; he won't know."
"That has nothing to do with it, sir," answered Mildred, speaking with forced composure, though her face flushed scarlet. "It was because I knew my mother prefers I shall not receive visits from people whom she does not know; but if it be true that your father objects to your visiting any of his employees, that is an additional reason for your never forcing attentions upon me again."
And with a very stately bow Mildred moved past him, entering the little house, while "Mr. Tom," indulging in a prolonged low whistle, turned on his heel, with something not very agreeable in his expression.