The DERINGS' private room opens on to the Esplanade; old DERING comes to the French windows, and calls out after me, "Don't forget. Lunch at two. On board the _Amaryllis_--find her at the quay." "Thanks very much--I _won't_ forget. Good-night!" "Good-night!" Someone is waiting for me under a lamp. It is ALF, but I did not know him at first. "Why, where on earth!"--I begin. He regards me reproachfully with his one efficient eye, and I observe his nose is much swollen. Good heavens, I see it all--I have knocked down my _future brother-in-law!_ Well, it serves him right. He explains, sulkily; he meant no harm; never thought anyone would be offended by being spoken to civil; _he_ never met girls like that before (which is likely enough); and to think I should have treated him that savage and brutal--it was _that_ upset him. Tell him I am sorry, but I can't help it now. "Yes you can," he says, hoarsely. "You know this girl--this Miss DERIN'," (he has followed us, it appears, and caught her name)--"you don't ought to play dog in the manger _now_--I want you to introduce me in a reg'lar way. I tell yer I'm down-right smitten." Introduce _him_--to ETHEL! Never, not if I won the V.C. for it! "Then you _look out!_" He has gone off growling--the cub! He will tell LOUISE. On second thoughts, his own share in the business may prevent that--but it is unfortunate. _Next Day_.--Have got leave of absence (without mentioning reason). I believe I pleaded the Drama, as usual, and I _have_ jotted down a line or two. Am dressing for luncheon--somehow I take longer than usual. Ready at last; the coast is clear, I am a trifle early, but I can stroll gently down to the quay.... Turn a corner, and come upon PONKING, with LOUISE. Fancy both look rather confused, but they are delighted to see me. "Was I going any where in particular?" "No--nowhere in particular." "Then I'd better come along with them--they have dined early, and are doing the lions." LOUISE makes such a point of it that I can't refuse--must watch my chance, and slip off when I can.