"And you must please not look at me as though I were an executioner," she declared lightly. "I will tell you something if you like. One of the reasons why I left Paris and came to London was because there was a man there who wanted me to marry him. I really cared for him a little, but I am absolutely determined not to marry for some time at any rate. I do not want to get only a second-hand flavour of life. One can learn and understand only by personal experience, by actual contact with the realities of life. I did not want anything made smooth and easy for me. That is why I would not marry this man whom I did and whom I do care for a little. Later on--well then the time may come. Then perhaps I shall send for him if he has not forgotten." "I do not know who he is," Brendon said quietly, "but he will not forget." Anna shrugged her shoulders lightly. "Who can tell?" she said. "Your sex is a terrible fraud. It is generally deficient in the qualities it prides itself upon most. Men do not understand constancy as women do." Brendon was not inclined to be led away from the point. "We will take it then," he said, "that you have refused or ignored one request I have made you this morning. I have yet another. Let me lend you some money. Between comrades it is the most usual thing in the world, and I do not see how your sex intervenes. Let me keep you from that man's clutches. Then we can look out together for such employment--as would be more suitable for you. I know London better than you, and I have had to earn my own living. You cannot refuse me this." He looked at her anxiously, and she met his glance with a dazzling smile of gratitude. "Indeed," she said, "I would not. But it is no longer necessary. I cannot tell you much about it, but my bad times are over for the present. I will tell you what you shall give me, if you like." "Well?" "Lunch! I am hungry--tragically hungry." He called for a hansom. "After all," he said, "I am not sure that you are not a very material person." "I am convinced of it," she answered. "Let us go to that little place at the back of the Palace. I'm not half smart enough for the West End." "Wherever you like!" he answered, a little absently. They alighted at the restaurant, and stood for a moment in the passage looking into the crowded room. Suddenly a half stifled exclamation broke from Anna's lips. Brendon felt his arm seized. In a moment they were in the street outside. Anna jumped into a waiting hansom. "Tell him to drive--anywhere," she exclaimed. Brendon told him the name of a distant restaurant and sprang in by her side. She was looking anxiously at the entrance to the restaurant. The commissionaire stood there, tall and imperturbable. There was no one else in the doorway. She leaned back in the corner of the cab with a little sigh of relief. A smile flickered upon her lips as she glanced towards Brendon, who was very serious indeed. Her sense of humour could not wholly resist his abnormal gravity.