"Who did you do the bet with?" Despard asked. "I forgot the man’s name. I’ve got the ticket safely in my pocket. We shall get the money all right to-morrow." Ruby spoke quickly. She could not conceal her nervousness and anxiety. She, who had been so calm a little while ago when Rupert, believing that ruin had overtaken him, had been on the point of committing suicide. He noticed that she seemed flustered and ill at ease, but he put it down to the sudden reaction. For himself he had forgotten all his troubles. They no longer existed. Death had stood at his elbow less than an hour ago. Now life was beckoning him to join in her revels. Curiously enough, he did not seem to realise the debt he owed to Ruby Strode: yet he would never have thought of backing Ambuscade himself. As a matter of fact, he was too excited to think of anything. He only knew that he could pay his debts, go down to Devonshire for his holidays and face his father with a light heart. In due time he would have another fling at the examination, pass it, obtain an appointment somewhere, and then he would be able to marry Ruby and they would live happily ever after. But for the moment he just wanted to enjoy his good fortune; to dance, to sing, to feast, to love. "Come on, if you’re both ready to start!" he cried excitedly. "Where shall we dine? Trocadero, Café Royal, Savoy? We’ll make a night of it." "The Savoy’s good enough for me," Despard laughed over his shoulder. "Do you mind if I wash my hands and make myself look a bit presentable in your room, Rupert?" Ruby waited until the bedroom door had closed on Despard. Then she put her arms around Rupert’s neck. "Do you mind very much if I don’t come with you to-night?" she whispered. "I’m feeling so tired. I think the excitement has been too much for me." Rupert looked at her with amazement. "Why, it will be no fun without you. I don’t want Despard! Rather wish he hadn’t come down to see me. You’ll feel as fit as a fiddle when you’ve had a glass of wine." But she shook her head, and held him tightly. He felt her arms trembling. He saw tears swimming in her eyes. "My dear, my dear, what a selfish brute I’ve been!" he cried with a sudden revulsion of feeling. "Good heavens, you’ve saved my life—you’ve done more than that—and I’ve not even thanked you." Ruby stepped back and put her fingers over his mouth. "Not another word," she whispered. "I’m so happy, really. It’s just nerves. I want to be quite alone. I want to realise our good fortune." "Of course, if you would really not come," Rupert said; "or shall I tell Despard we don’t want him? I know you’re not keen on him."