"For the first time," she exclaimed, as she accepted them, "I realise what it must be to be a millionaire! I have never seen such a box of chocolates in my life. Do you mind going over to the grocer's and letting him see me with you?" she went on. "It will be so good for our credit, and his is just one of the accounts we have to leave for a little time. Were you ever poor, Mr. Thain?" "Poor, but not, alas! romantically so," he confessed. "To be the real thing, I ought to have earned my first few pounds, oughtn't I? You see, I didn't. I was educated by relatives, and when a great chance came my way I was able to take advantage of it. An uncle advanced me a thousand pounds, upon one condition." "Had you to make him a partner?" she asked, in the intervals of giving a small order at the grocer's. He shook his head. "No," he answered gravely, "it wasn't a financial condition. In a way it was something more difficult." She looked at him curiously. "Whatever it was," she said, "if you promised, I am quite sure that you would keep your word." They motored homewards and David was for a few minutes unexpectedly thoughtful. He deliberately approached Broomleys from the back, but even then it was impossible to avoid a distant view of the cottage. He looked towards it grimly. "Conditions are stern things," he sighed. "Haven't you kept that one yet?" she asked. "The time is only just coming," he told her. She looked up at him pleadingly. "Don't bother about it now, please," she begged. "This is such a delightful day. And whatever you do, you mustn't let it interfere with your eating three cutlets." CHAPTER XX Borden's car came to a standstill in the avenue, and Marcia looked across the strip of green turf towards the cottage with a queer little thrill of remembrance. "You are sure you won't mind waiting?" she asked, as she sprang down. "If there is any fatted calf about, I'll call you in." Borden showed her his pockets, bulging with newspapers. "I shall be perfectly content here," he said, "however long you may be. I shall back the car on to the turf and read."