Peter agreed, and the drinks were ordered. "Chin-chin," said his acquaintance. "And here's to old London town, and the Good Lord let me see it again. It's less than even chances," he added reflectively. "Here's luck," said Peter; then, for he couldn't help it: "It's you chaps, by God, that are winning this war!" "Oh, I don't know," said the other, rising. "We get more leave than you fellows, and I'd sooner be on my tramp than in the trenches. The sea's good and clean to die in, anyway. Cheerio." Peter followed him out in a few minutes, and set about his shopping. He found a florist's in Regent Street and bought lavishly. The girl smiled at him, and suggested this and that. "Having a dinner somewhere to-night?" she queried. "But I have no violets." "Got my girl comin' up," said Peter expansively; "that's why there must be violets. See if you can get me some and send them over, will you?" he asked, naming his hotel. She promised to do her best, and he departed. He went into a chocolate shop. "Got some really decent chocolates?" he demanded. The girl smiled and dived under the counter. "These are the best," she said, holding out a shovelful for Peter to taste. He tried one. "They'll do," he said. "Give me a couple of pounds, in a pretty box if you've got one." "Two pounds!" she exclaimed. "What are you thinking of? We can only sell a quarter." "Only a quarter!" said Peter. "That's no good. Come on, make up the two pounds." "If my boss comes in or finds out I'll be fired," said the girl; "can't be done." "Well, that doesn't matter," said Peter innocently, "You'll easily get a job--something better and easier, I expect." "It's easy enough, perhaps," said the girl, "but you never can tell. _And_ it's dangerous, _and_ uncertain." Peter stared at her. When he bought chocolates as a parson, he never had talks like this. He wondered if London had changed since he knew it. Then he played up: "You're pretty enough to knock that last out, anyway?" he said. "Am I?" she demanded. "Do you mean you'd like to keep me?" "I've got one week-end left of leave," said Peter. "What about the chocolates?" "Poor boy!" she said. "Well, I'll risk it." And she made up the two pounds. He wandered into a tobacconist's, and bought cigarettes which Julie's soul loved, and then he made for a theatre booking-office. Outside and his business done, he looked at his watch, and found he had a bit of time to spare. He walked down Shaftesbury Avenue, and thought he would get himself spruced up at a hairdresser's. He saw a little place with a foreigner at the door, and he went in. It was a tiny room with three seats all empty. The man seated him in one and began.