"No jewels, you see, Adam," she said suddenly. "I'm afraid you've struck a loser this time. You'll have to stick to the Great North Road in future." "No jewels?" said I. "You have a wealth of hair, and what about the pearls behind your lips? They're worth a king's ransom." "They're not made to take out, though, and there's no gold with them." She put up the red mouth and showed two rows of teeth, white and even. "Tempt me no more," said I. "Oh, Eve, you're just as bad as ever. After all this time, too. However. I hesitate to mention supper, because you look so lovely sitting there, but--" She stretched out a warm hand, and I lifted her to her feet. For a second I held the slight fingers. "Tell me one thing," said I. "Is there anyone who doesn't love you?" The fingers slipped away. "Yes, stacks of people. You wouldn't like me a bit, only I'm not myself to-night. I'm just--just Eve. See? New Year's Eve." "Thomas thinks you're Jill--Miss Mansel." "To him I am. To the temporary maid in the morning, too. As for breakfast--oh, you and my high collar must get me through breakfast and out of here and over to Steeple Abbas somehow. Funny, your telling Falcon to go to 'The Three Bulls.' It's where we were making for. I'd taken a room there." "By Jove," said I. "Then, when I went back with Jill, they thought it was you arriving." And I related what had occurred. When I had finished, she threw back her head and laughed. "Then you're not a robber, after all, Adam?" "Certainly not. But why?" "I mean, assuming the exchange is a fair one." "Fair?" said I. "It's exquisite. Why, just to look at you's as good as a feast, and--" "Which reminds me I'm awfully hungry. Oh, no, no, I didn't mean that, Adam, dear, I didn't really." And my companion leaned against the chimney-piece, laughing helplessly. "That's torn it," said I, laughing too. "And now," said Eve, recovering, "take off your coat. You must be so tired." I drew my pumps out of the great pockets, and threw the coat off me and across the back of a chair. Then I kicked off my great high rubber boots, stepped into my pumps, and looked ruefully at my dress trousers. "They're only a little creased," said the girl. "You must forgive them," said I. "Jill wouldn't have minded, would she?" "Jill wouldn't have mattered." "Nor does Eve. Remember my hair." "I shall never forget it," said I. Then I picked up her little shoes and stooped to fit them on to their feet. "You are looking after me nicely, Adam," she said, laying a hand on my shoulder to keep her balance. I straightened my back and looked at her. "My dear," I said, "I--oh, heavens, let's see what we've got for supper." And I turned hurriedly to the dishes in front of the fire. When I looked round, she was lighting the candles.