"I am certainly not going to run behind." "You're not going to London." "You bet I'm going to London." "Well, go by train, then." "And break into hard-won cash, every penny of which will be needed for the big time in the metropolis? A pretty story!" "Well, anyway, you aren't coming with me." "Why not?" "I don't want you." "John," said Hugo, "there is more in this than meets the eye. You can't deceive me. You are going to London for a purpose. What purpose?" "If you really want to know, I'm going to see Pat." "What on earth for? She'll be here to-morrow. I looked in at Chas. Bywater's this morning for some cigarettes--and, gosh, how lucky it was I did!--by the way, he's putting them down to you--and he told me she's arriving by the three-o'clock train." "I know. Well, I happen to want to see her very particularly to-night." Hugo eyed his cousin narrowly. He was marshalling the facts and drawing conclusions. "John," he said, "this can mean but one thing. You are driving a hundred miles in a shaky car--that left front tire wants a spot of air. I should look to it before you start, if I were you--to see a girl whom you could see to-morrow in any case by the simple process of meeting the three-o'clock train. Your state of mind is such that you prefer--actually prefer--not to have my company. And, as I look at you, I note that you are blushing prettily. I see it all. You've at last decided to propose to Pat. Am I right or wrong?" John drew a deep breath. He was not one of those men who derive pleasure from parading their inmost feelings and discussing with others the secrets of their hearts. Hugo, in a similar situation, would have advertised his love like the hero of a musical comedy; he would have made the round of his friends, confiding in them; and, when the supply of friends had given out, would have buttonholed the gardener. But John was different. To hear his aspirations put into bald words like this made him feel as if he were being divested of most of his more important garments in a crowded thoroughfare. "Well, that settles it," said Hugo briskly. "Such being the case, of course you must take me along. I will put in a good word for you. Pave the way." "Listen," said John, finding speech. "If you dare to come within twenty miles of us...." "It would be wiser. You know what you're like. Heart of gold but no conversation. Try to tackle this on your own and you'll bungle it." "You keep out of this," said John, speaking in a low, husky voice that suggested the urgent need of one of those throat lozenges purveyed by Chas. Bywater and so esteemed by the dog Emily. "You keep right out of this." Hugo shrugged his shoulders.