Leslie smiled at the lovers, and moving towards the card-players, she placed her arm round Bret's shoulders and examined his hand. Then the three men raised their heads. Dubois, with the cynicism of the ugly little man who has ever had to play the part of the disdained lover both in real or fictitious life, giggled, leered, and pointed over his shoulder. Montgomery smiled too, but a close observer would detect in him the yearnings of a young man from whose plain face the falling fruit is ever invisibly lifted. Bret looked round also, but his look was the indifferent stare of one to whom love has come often, and he glanced as idly at the picture as a worn-out gourmet would over the bill of fare of a table d'hôte dinner. A moment after all eyes were again fixed on the game, and Dick began to speak to Kate of the clothes she would have to buy in Derby. 'I can give you twenty pounds to fit yourself out. Do you think you could manage with that?' 'I'm afraid I'm putting you to a lot of expense, dear.' 'Not more than you're worth. You don't know what a pleasant time we shall have travellin' about; it's so tiresome bein' always alone. There's no society in these country towns, but I shan't want society now.' 'And do you think that you won't get tired of me? Will you never care again for any of these fine ladies?' and her brilliant eyes drew down Dick's lips, and when they entered a tunnel the temptation to repeat the kiss was great, but owing to Dubois's attempt to light matches it ended in failure. Dick bumped his head against the woodwork of the carriage; Kate felt she hated the little comedian, and before she recovered her temper the train began to slacken speed, and there were frequent calls for Dick from the windows of the different compartments. 'Is the railway company going to stand us treat this journey?' shouted Mortimer. 'Yes,' replied Dick, putting his head out, 'seven the last time and seven this; we should have more than a couple of quid.' When the train stopped and a voice was heard crying, 'All tickets here!' he said to Dubois, Bret, and Montgomery, 'Now then, you fellows, cut off; get Mortimer and a few of the chorus-men to join you; we're seven short.' As they ran away he continued to Leslie: 'I hope Hayes won't bungle it; he's got the tickets to-day.' 'You shouldn't have let him take them; you know he's always more or less drunk, and may answer forty-two.' 'I can't help it if he does; I'd something else to look after at Hanley.' 'Tickets!' said the guard. 'Our acting manager has them; he's in the end carriage.' 'You know I don't want anything said about it; Hayes and I are old pals; but it's a damned nuisance to have an acting manager who's always boozed. I have to look after everythin', even to making up the returns. But I must have a look and see how he's gettin' on with the guard,' said Dick, jumping up and putting his head out of the window.