“A fig for it! They must wait for me, that’s all. I’ll try again to-morrow. Will you mind telling the guard to get my boxes out, there’s a dear Mr. Foster, and I’ll endeavor to find that maid of mine?”

The train was already five minutes late in starting; she delayed it quite another five minutes, and enjoyed the process. And it was I who meekly received the objurgations of porters and guard. My reward was a smile, given with a full sense of its immense value.

“Good-by, Mr. Foster. Take care of your precious jewel-case.”

I had carried the thing in my hand up and down the platform. I ran to my carriage, and jumped in breathless as the train whistled.

“Pleasant