"You amaze me. I thought it was a swimming-bath." She bit the lip that wanted to smile. "To return to you, who are my mutton, I wish this road wasn't so narrow. I can't look at you except in the screen." "We first met in a looking-glass." "True. But now I want something more--more tangible." "Indeed?" I glanced down. "At any rate, I've got your feet, bless them. I shall compose a sonnet to them, beautiful doll." "And I'll write an epic about yours." Five minutes passed. "How's the epic going?" said I. "I've only done four lines." "Let's have them." "The beetling beetle-crushing baulks of boots Crashed on their thunderous way, while men-at-arms, Who knew no fear, shuddered and crossed themselves, And little children whimpered with a fright Too fierce for tears." "Very good," said I. "Now you shall have mine. I thought they were stars, And I know they were shining, But so brightly. The daintiest things that were ever created. They danced on my heart from the moment I saw them, But so lightly That while they were there my heart became lighter, Yet on it they made an enduring impression, Lasting and deep. Fairies' steps may be slighter, But so slightly. You'll think I am mad, but I'm only a blighter. I thought they were stars, And I know they were shining." "Thank you very much. I didn't know you were a poet." "Nor was I till I entered your service," said I. So presently we came to Laipnik. I stopped outside the little town, put on my cap, and settled the girl on the back seat. Five minutes later we rolled up to the hotel. On the steps stood a stout man with a serious face, looking suspiciously at the cigar he had just lighted. "Hullo, Uncle Dick," said my mistress. "My dear child, I am glad you've come. You aunt's upstairs rather tired, but wild to see you. We're going to stay another night here and go on early tomorrow." "Are you? I'll come up at once." I opened the door of the car and handed her out. She kissed her relative and turned to me. "Er--will you--er--" I coughed. "You will get your own lunch, Norval, and come to the office for orders at half-past two." "Very good, madam." As I raised my cap: "Oh, I feel such a beast," she murmured.