They were silent a moment. Then he came over to her and took her hand. 'Word of honour, Peggy,' he said, 'to let neither Airey himself nor any of the rest know? You must connive, as I did.' She turned her eyes up to his in their clouded brightness. 'I promise, word of honour, Tommy,' said she. He nodded in a friendly way and strolled off to the writing-table. She wandered to the window and looked out on the spacious, solid old square. The summer evening was bright and clear, but Peggy was sad that there were things in the world hard to endure. Yet there were other things too; down in her heart was a deep joy because to-day, although she had lost a dear illusion, she had found a new treasure-house. 'I'm thinking some things about you, Tommy, you know,' she said without turning round. There was a little catch in her voice. 'That's all right. Just let me write a letter, and we'll go and dine.' She stood still till he rose and turned to see her head outlined against the window. For a moment he regarded it in silence, thinking of the grace she carried with her, how she seemed unable to live with meanness, and how for love's sake she would face it now, and, if it might be, heal it by being one of those who loved. He came softly behind her, but she turned to meet him. 'I suppose we must all cry sometimes, Tommy. Do say it makes the joy better!' 'They always tell you that!' He laughed gently. 'I came here to laugh with you, but now----' 'Laughter's the second course to-day,' said Tommy Trent. It came then. He saw it suddenly born in her eyes and marked its assault on the lines of her lips. She struggled conscientiously, thinking, no doubt, that it was a shame to laugh. Tommy waited eagerly for the victory of mirth, or even that it might, in a general rout, save its guns and ammunition, and be ready to come into action another day. He had his hope. Peggy's low rich laugh came, against her will, but not to be denied. 'At any rate I show him the better way! I drew another fifty pounds to-day. And he hates it--oh, he hates it, Tommy!' He laughed too, saying, 'Let's go out and play.' As they went downstairs she thrust her hand through his arm and kept patting him gently. Then she looked up, and swiftly down again, and laughed a little and patted him again. 'I've half a mind to sing,' said she. The afternoon had been a bottle of the old mixture--laughter and tears. CHAPTER XII HOT HEADS AND COOL There being in London (as Trix had once observed) many cities, if they persecute you in one you can flee unto another, with the reasonable certainty of finding an equally good dinner, company perhaps on the whole not less entertaining, and a welcome warmer for the novelty of seeing you. With these consolations a philosophic fugitive should be content.