"I wish I was an old hag with a bald head and hairs about my chin, and a nutcracker mouth, and a hump on my back, and then I would drive my car anywhere, everywhere, by day, and by night, and enjoy myself!" "Oh Gentian, what a child you are!" Gentian joined Mrs. Wharnecliffe in her laughter. "I feel better now. Come and see Waddy. I have been as cross as two sticks to her all the morning. And I'll leave you to tell her of my decision, and she and you will sing a song of thanksgiving together, while I go for a solitary walk." "No, no, wait! I think I have some good news for you. I came along to tell it to you. It has come at the right time." Gentian smiled. "I'm sure it's another job you have found me. Let me guess. Is it to teach in the infants' school?" "No. Yesterday I was visiting some old friends of mine who live about five miles away. They are sisters, two elderly women. One is very strong—has never been ill in her life she says, and she still rides and hunts. The other is delicate, and lives too much indoors. Her doctor wants her to have air, and has suggested her having some motor-drives. She used to have a carriage, but was upset one day by a drunken coachman, and has never taken a drive since. She sold the carriage and horses and dismissed her coachman. I got her to drive with me the other day in my car, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. I suggested your taking her for regular drives every day, and she is delighted at the thought of it. She may eventually buy a car of her own, but at present she would like to consider yours at her disposal whenever she wants it. And she will give you anything you like to ask. She understands that if you keep your car for her, you will be unable to use it for anyone else." Gentian's face was a study. The brilliant colour came back to her cheeks and the light to her eyes. She seemed as if she could not speak for a few minutes; then her eyes grew misty and tears trembled on the edges of her eyelashes. "And so while I was praying," she said in a whisper, "the answer was coming along the road to meet me. Mrs. Wharnecliffe, if only you weren't an English woman I would throw my arms round your neck and hug you! Do consider it done, will you. How lucky I am to have such a friend! Am I to start to-morrow? Will she want me in the morning or the afternoon, or both?" "Not quite so fast. They would like to see you and talk it over. So I said I would bring you to-morrow, or rather that you would bring me in your car, so that they could see it." "Oh, do go and tell Waddy. She will be so glad!" But Gentian did not go in with Mrs. Wharnecliffe. She sped up the road to a certain small pine wood which she had discovered, and which served her as a delightful retreat when she wanted to be alone and think. She did not come away from it for a full hour. And then on the way home she met Thorold. "Well," he said; "have you had a good day at your trade?" "Have you not met Mrs. Wharnecliffe?"