I seem
to-day. My parents were gentlefolk, in a humble way." (I didn't go
beyond the truth there, did I? And as for the "humble way," why,
everything goes by comparison, from a king down to a mere viscount.)
"They gave me an education" (they did, bless them!), "but owing
to--er--strong pressure of circumstances" (the effect of Her beauty,
seen in a Paris _garage_) "I decided to make use of my mechanical
knowledge in the way I am doing at present."

"I suppose," commented my Goddess, with the sweetest sympathy, "that you
had lost your money."

"Well," I said, thinking of my late penniless condition and my watch at
the pawnshop, "I have a great deal less money now than I was brought up
to expect."

"That is very sad," she sighed.

"And yet," I remarked, "it has its compensations. I consider my place
with you a very good one."

"It can't be better than many others you have had," said she.

"In some ways it is much the best I have ever enjoyed," I responded.

"At all events, it isn't half as good as you deserve," the Angel cried
warmly. "I should like to see you in one far more desirable."

"Thank you," said I meekly "So should I, of course, though I should wish
it still to be in your service."

"If that could be," she murmured, with a slight blush and a flattering
air of regret. "I don't quite see how it could. But if you wouldn't mind
going to America, perhaps my father might help you to something really
worth while."

"Nothing could be better for me than to have his help in obtaining what
I want," said I boldly, knowing she wouldn't suspect the double meaning.
"You are very good. I can't thank you enough."

"Wait till I have done something to be thanked for," said she. "I will
write to my father. But even if anything comes of it, it can't be for
some time. Meanwhile, I suppose you will be taking Mr. Winston's car
back to England, when we part at Cannes."

"Part at Cannes!" The words were a knell "You aren't thinking, then, of
going further for a trip into Italy?" I ventured.

"No, I haven't thought of it," she said.

"It does seem a pity, with Italy next door, so to speak," said I.
"Unless, of course, you're tired of motoring and would like to settle
down and have some gaiety."

"I'm not tired of motoring," she exclaimed, "and I'm not pining for
gaiety. I think this sort of free, open-air life, with big horizons
round one, spoils one for dancing and dressing and flir--and all that. I
should love just