"This morning," said Pip, "I got a letter. It was from old Gresley, the head of the Motor Works where I am employed. His son used to be a friend of mine at Cambridge. The old man's letter is the most astonishing affair. He offers to take me into partnership! He seems to--to have taken a sort of liking for me," he added apologetically. "Isn't it like a fairy tale?" (What old Gresley had said was this: "Partly because you have always been a good friend to my son, but chiefly because you combine first-class mechanical ability with sound common sense and the power of managing men, I write to ask if you will enter the firm as a partner, on equal terms with Harry. He has brains and you have ballast. Between you, you should sweep the board. I am getting old. Once the business is fairly gripped by you, I shall retire and leave you to run the show together. Give up your present post and come here at once, so that we may discuss matters more fully and settle details.") "Then you'll be rich again?" said Lottie wonderingly. "Well enough off, at any rate," said Pip, "to go and have it out--" "With _her_?" "Yes. Here's your train. I'll get your ticket." Pip put the Principal Boy into an empty first-class carriage, and having shut the door conversed with her through the open window. The engine gave an impatient whistle, but the line was not clear, and the starting-signal remained obstinately red. "Got any money?" said Pip awkwardly. "Yes, thanks. Enough to keep me going." The train still delayed, and Pip said,-- "I say, will you take my advice?" "Depends on what it is." "Go to Jim Lister." "Well--I'll see," said the girl rather brokenly. She had borne up bravely till now, but the prospect of parting from her protector and the coming plunge into the unknown were telling their tale. Suddenly she looked up. "Jack," she whispered, "come with me!" The two gazed at each other steadily. Never was there a more direct invitation, and no man knows what thoughts passed through Pip's heart, or how great the battle that was fought and won during that brief minute. At length he spoke. "I am still your father's paid servant, and until I have seen him and thrown up my billet I must stay here." Lottie bowed her head submissively. She knew her man. "But I'll tell you what," continued Pip. "To-morrow I shall be in town. If you _still_ want help, send a line to me at the Oxford and Cambridge Club, and I'll come to you." "You promise?" "I promise. But _you_ must promise not to write unless you really need me." Lottie, a little mystified, agreed. Suddenly the red signal-light turned to green. The guard at the rear of the train broke off an engrossing conversation with the only porter, and waved his lantern. The engine gave a preliminary quiver. Lottie and Pip shook hands. The girl's eyes were full of tears. Poor Principal Boy! Kindness which asked for nothing in return had been a rarity in her life. Suddenly she said,-- "Give us a kiss, Jack!"