't come to Savavic at any price. If he
does, Betty's absence becomes apparent, and the good old 'impossible
position' arises at once. Consequently, I send a nice letter to the
one hotel at Laipnik 'to await arrival,' saying the road's so bad and
hard to find that I'll come over to them instead of their coming here."

"Much as you would have loved them to see Savavic."

"Exactly. You're rather intelligent."

"Oh, I'm often like that. It's in the blood. Grandpa got his B.A.," I
explained. "We've loaned his hood to the Wallace Collection. Go on."

"Well, that all sounds very nice and easy, doesn't it? Then, to put
the lid on, my chauffeur breaks his arm yesterday afternoon."

"And the uncle's due when?"

"Slept at Laipnik last night. I was to have lunched with them
to-day. Oh, the fat's in the fire all right this time. I may expect
them any time after three." I reflected a moment. Then:

"I'll drive you to Laipnik," said I. "I'm as safe as a house at the
wheel."

"You're awfully good and kind," said the girl, shaking her head, "but
it's no good. Think. How on earth would I explain you?"

"It is unnecessary to explain a chauffeur."

"Oh, but you can't--"

"Certainly I can. At any rate, I'm going to. Come along and get
changed, mistress."

I scrambled to my feet.

"If you'll show me the way to the garage, I'll be looking over the car.
What is she, by the way? And where does your late chauffeur keep his
boots?"

"Are you an angel?" said the girl, getting up.

"Who told you?" said I.

The boots were much too big and the gaiters a little small. Still,
they did. A long dust-coat came down over the tops of the gaiters,
making the uniform unnecessary. I took the cap to wear when we reached
the town. Gloves, near enough. It was a big, open car, and all the
way to Laipnik the girl, looking priceless in a fawn-coloured dress,
sat by my side. We went like the wind. After a while:

"He drives well," said my companion, half to herself.

"Thank you, beautiful doll--I should say madam. Is that right?"

"Quite, thanks. How are the boots?"

"A bit spacious. I'm afraid I've lost one of my toes already."

"You poor man. Which one?"

"Baldwin," said I. "He's got separated from the others, you know.
I'll be able to look for him when we get to Laipnik. Told them to keep
together, too," I added bitterly.

She gave a little peal of laughter. Then:

"How tiresome" she said. "And I