e.

Two hours later the girl and I slipped once more out of Laipnik. When
we were clear of the town, I stopped for a moment, and she took her old
seat by my side. For a minute or two neither of us spoke. Then she
reached up and took off my cap and pitched it behind into the car. I
laughed.

"I wanted to do that a dozen times this afternoon," she said. "And I'd
have done it, too, if I'd had the courage of a field-mouse."

"You know what I've wanted to do a dozen times this afternoon, don't
you?"

"And these odious people. Will you ever forgive me? If it's any
consolation to you, I nearly died of shame."

"And I nearly punched Berry's head and spoiled it all."

"Berry's?"

I explained. When I had finished:

"It was nice of Jill to give you those flowers," she said. "Dear of
her. But I shall never forgive Berry."

"He's only human," said I. "And he really was awfully funny."

"I shall tell him what I think of him."

"We've all done that once a week for five years. My dear, he's quite
hopeless. Besides, he gave me a whole crown."

"And uncle gave you five. I saw him. I nearly cried, it made me so
angry."

"Six altogether," said I. "I bought you some carnations with them.
They're in the hood."

"Sweet of you, Norval. Coals of fire?"

"No, dear. Only malmaisons. Isn't that beautiful?"

We had climbed until we were at the top of a pass. Over the mountains
the sun was going down. The great valley was already in shadow, but
the light on the high woods was wonderful. Away on the top of a hill a
little white shrine stood up like a candlestick against the sky. A
rosy flush lay on the distant snow mountains, and the heavens
themselves were filled with a great red glory. The same thought
occurred to both of us.

"Who wouldn't be a day?" said I. "It's worth living only twelve hours
to die a death like that."

We reached Savavic about half-past seven. I drove straight to the
garage. She watched me put the car away and waited while I slipped
into my brogues. Then:

"Now I must be off to Poganec," said I. "So endeth the first day's
service."

"And the last."

I drew myself up.

"Am I dismissed, then?"

"Oh, well--"

"Of course, if you're not satisfied, madam--"

"But I am, only--"

"Then," said I, "I'll stop on. Good night, beautiful Doll."

"Dolly."

"Dolly, then."

I swept off my hat and turned to go.

"Don't you want to--er--shake me?" said Dolly.

I reach