"It is a choice between two investments," she said in her still grave tone. "I should prefer to live my life above the world. But an aeroplane might not be so paying as a car. And I know less about it. I have driven a car in Italy. Yesterday I had a lesson in driving through the city, but my instructor practically told me that I had little to learn. You see, my nerves are strong and steady, and I have no fear in me. I never had. I should think a livelihood could be got easily in any big town by motoring passengers to and from stations, and taking them on any tour round. Miss Ward does not want me to sink all the capital I have in a venture. But I am perfectly certain in my own mind as to the success of it." "It's a ridiculous, preposterous idea!" spluttered out Thorold impulsively. "No wonder Miss Ward does not approve of it." The sparkle came back to the girl's eyes, and her lips smiled. "I was told I would find English men and women working shoulder to shoulder and doing the same jobs everywhere. Is it not so? Are there still some of the old-fashioned sort left? Are you one of them? Why is it so preposterous and ridiculous?" And then Thorold gave one of his hearty laughs, and for an instant the girl looked at him with quickened interest. "Because you know nothing of life, my dear child, and very little of men and women, I should say. How old are you? You do not look more than sixteen." "I am two-and-twenty, and Italy is not a cannibal island. I have met English people out there by scores, as well as Americans and every nationality under the sun. I left school nearly five years ago. In five years one grows fast and learns much." "Have you any friends in England?" asked Mrs. Wharnecliffe. "Ask Miss Ward. Here she is to speak for herself." The door opened and Miss Ward appeared. Thorold rose to his feet and introduced her to Mrs. Wharnecliffe, who said at once: "We came up to town to see if we could befriend Miss Brendon; but she will have none of us!" "Oh Gentian!" "Oh Waddy!" mimicked the girl pulling down her lips, and bringing a piteous look into her blue eyes. "Now sit down and declare on whose side you are! Mine, or theirs." Miss Ward seated herself irresolutely upon the edge of the old couch. "I am afraid we have come on a fruitless errand," said Mrs. Wharnecliffe. "It seems that your young charge here has mapped out her future to her own satisfaction, and wants no interference." "Her future!" exclaimed Miss Ward miserably. "It will be the workhouse." "Oh no," retorted Gentian quickly; "there is unemployment pay, you know; but that will be unnecessary as long as my hands and feet and nerve are sound." "Oh, I beseech you," said Miss Ward, turning suddenly to Thorold, who was sitting back looking on with amused eyes, "don't forsake us. If you will be a friend to us, I will be everlastingly grateful." "Well, how can I serve you best?" he asked gravely and earnestly. "By having a long talk with me," she said promptly.