s. "But I persuaded her to give
me the job of calling for you to-day: our car is rather more
comfortable than a taxi, and the doctor thought it would be a good
thing for you to have a little run first."

Major Hunt tried not to look disappointed, and failed signally.

"It's awfully good of you," he said courteously. "But I don't believe
I'm up to much yet--and I'm rather keen on getting home. If you
wouldn't mind going there direct."

David Linton cast an appealing look at the nurse, who had accompanied
her patient. She rose to the occasion promptly.

"Now, Major Hunt," she protested. "Doctor's orders! You promised to
take all the exercise you could, and a run in the car would be the
very thing for you."

"Oh, very well." Major Hunt's voice was resigned. David Linton
leaned towards him.

"I'll make it as short as I can," he said confidentially. They said
good-bye, and emerged into Park Lane, where the big blue motor waited.

"Afraid you must think me horribly rude," said the soldier, as they
started. "Fact is, I'm very anxious to see my youngsters: I don't
know why, but Stella wouldn't bring them to the hospital to see me
this last week. But it's certainly jolly to be out again." He leaned
back, enjoying the comfort of the swift car. "I suppose--" he
hesitated--"it would be altogether too much trouble to go round by the
flat and pick up my wife and Geoff. They would love a run."

"Oh! Ah! The flat--yes, the flat!" said David Linton, a little
wildly. "I'm afraid--that is, we should be too early. Mrs. Hunt
would not expect us so soon, and she--er--she meant to be out, with
all the children. Shopping. Fatted calf for the prodigal's return,
don't you know. Awfully sorry."

"Oh, it's quite all right," said Major Hunt, looking rather amazed.
"Only she doesn't generally take them all out. But of course it
doesn't matter."

"I'll tell you what," said his host, regaining his composure. "We'll
take all of you out to-morrow--Mrs. Hunt and the three youngsters as
well as yourself. The car will hold all."

Major Hunt thanked him, rather wearily. They sped on, leaving the
outskirts of London behind them. Up and down long, suburban roads,
beyond the trail of motor-'buses, until the open country gleamed
before them. The soldier took a long breath of the sweet air.

"Gad, it's good to see fields again!" he said. Presently he glanced
at the watch on his wrist.

"Nearly time to turn, don't yo