stance, he took appropriate action. Hat in
hand, he descended into the road and, speaking with grave civility, put
his car at the ladies' disposal. This being accepted, he handed them
out of their own and ushered them into the Rolls. Then he bowed very
pleasantly and closed the door.

Valerie started to her feet.

"But, Mr. Bumble," she cried, "of course you're coming. Aunt Harriet,
we can't...."

"Of course we can't," said Lady Touchstone. "Mr. Bumble, get in at
once."

Humbly their host shook his head.

"Bell 'Ammer is no distance, me lady, an' the car can come back. I
shouldden dream o' takin' advantage of an acciden', me lady."

Regretting very much that she had never noticed the ex-grocer before,
Lady Touchstone sought desperately to pull the position round.

"Mr. Bumble," she said, "we cannot use your car without you. That we
do not know one another is my fault. Please get in. I want to tell
you how very sorry we are about your case."

Again Mr. Bumble bowed.

"Your ladyship is most kind. If Mrs. Bumble was 'ere, it'd be
different.... But we're both of us proud, me lady, fer you to 'ave the
car. An'--an' please don' put yerself out, m'm. I'm in no 'urry."

The quiet determination of his tone was unmistakable. The little man
was clearly stoutly resolved not to improve an acquaintance which his
wife did not share. Wealth had not clouded his memory nor corrupted
his simple heart.

Lady Touchstone hauled down her flag.

"You're one of the old school, Mr. Bumble," she said, "so we won't
argue. Will you tell Mrs. Bumble that, if Thursday's quite convenient,
we shall call at The Shrubbery and ask her to give us some tea?"

And Valerie put out her hand.

"Good-bye for the present," she said. "Thank you so very much."

The next moment they were gone.

Hat still in hand, the ex-grocer looked after the car.

"Lady by name an' lady by nature," he said softly. Then he put on his
hat and turned to Mason. "'Ave a cigar, boy. I 'ate smokin' alone."

As they swept out of sight, Lady Touchstone picked up the speaking tube.

"George Alison!" she cried. Up went the chauffeur's head. "Stop the
car, please. Valerie and Major Lyveden will change places. We want to
discuss the trial."

George slowed up with a grin.

Jack opened the door for Jill, who descended with an airy nod of
greeting which hurt him more than the stoniest disregard. With her
head high, she stepped to the seat he had