“Yes, my dear brother; you practically start to-day, March the 31st, and do you know that I’ve got an idea,--and from Purdon, of all people. He is rather smart looking, and might pass for a gentleman, till he opens his mouth; besides, I happen to know that his mother lives in Fulham, and keeps a small greengrocer’s shop.” “Yes, but your idea? You don’t want me to start in that line, do you?” “No,” with an irrepressible smile; “I want you to become a chauffeur!” “A chauffeur!” he repeated, subsiding into an adjacent arm-chair; “but why?” “But why not?” “Well, of course, I used to drive a car--and yes--your idea isn’t half bad; a chauffeur gets about the world for nothing, has fair pay, and, by all accounts, bar washing the car, a fairly good time.” “You need not be thinking of a good time, Owen; but put all idea of amusement out of your head, and make up your mind that, during the next two years, you will be _doing_ time--as a punishment for your crimes! Now, to be practical, you must have a certificate, and you and I will run into the country for the next day or two, and you shall drive the car; of course you are out of practice, and Purdon shall give you tips. I suppose you know all about magnetos, carburetters, and speed? I expect in a week you will qualify and pass, and there you are!” “Yes, my lady, in a new black leather suit. I’ll do my best; I see you’ve fixed it up.” She nodded assent. He was accustomed to Leila’s fixing up of his affairs, and never disputed her authority. “You can take the car out in the morning, and get accustomed to the traffic. I think you will make an excellent chauffeur, as you have a strong head and no nerves.” “Perhaps I may, and I’ve a sort of taste for mechanics. As a kid, you remember, I was mad to be an engine-driver.” “Yes; you were always blowing things up, or breaking them down, or taking them to pieces.” “I dare say I’ll have something of the breaking down and taking to pieces in my new career.” “Only it’s so frightfully risky; you might go in for being an airman--_that’s_ where you could make money!” “Yes, with a two to one chance of breaking my neck.” “Think of ten thousand pounds earned in a few hours! All the same it’s out of the question, I couldn’t bear the anxiety, it’s too dangerous; though I see the day coming when airships will displace motors, and I shall be flying over to Paris to dine and do a theatre.” “Meanwhile, give me mother earth and a 60 h.p. car! Well, so it’s settled,” he said, jumping to his feet and tossing the stump of his cigarette into the fire; “yes, I’ll be a chauffeur all right--but what about the pay?” “I expect you start at two guineas a week, with or without clothes, and find yourself.” “A hundred a year, and an open-air billet! I say, I shall do splendidly. Leila, I feel that Uncle Dick’s prize is already in my hand.”