She even said “good-night” a little coldly, and remained beside Basil while Doris went out into the tiny hall with him to get his hat and coat. Doris seemed to Dudley a lonely little figure out there in the dim light, with just the suggestion of a droop about her lips and wistfulness in her eyes. He believed that she found herself left out in the cold with those other two, but was too proud to complain. He felt a tenderness springing up in his heart and spreading to his eyes as he leaned towards her with a protecting air. She was small and fragile. It made him feel big and protective; and he liked it. Hal was so tall and straight and slim and boyish—not in the least the sort of person one could really feel protective to; and he liked clinging women… His head bent down quite near to hers as he said in a low tone: “I suppose they are like lovers, those two, and you feel a little out of it, eh?” “Yes”—confidingly and gratefully—“and it makes me very unhappy, because I love to slave for Basil just as much as Ethel does. But he does not want me…” with a little sad air. “Oh, I think you are mistaken. It could never be that. It is only that they have always been so devoted, and I expect it is too lonely for you here. You do not get enough change. Would you care to go to the White City with me on Thursday evening?” “Oh, I should love it!” and there was a quick gleam in her eyes. “Very well, I will arrange it.” His hand closed over hers lingeringly. “Good-bye. Don’t be despondent. I will let you know where to meet me. We might have dinner at a restaurant first; shall we?” Again she expressed her delight, and Dudley went off with a glow of pleasure that was a surprise to him. But behind the closed door Doris smiled a little smile in the darkness, that had none of the artless innocence of the smiles reserved for him. “Ethel would just give her head to go with him,” was her first thought; and then, “I hope he won’t go to a cheap restaurant.” In the sitting-room Ethel was putting the last touches to the invalid’s comfort for the night, moving about busily. Doris leaned against the table, and made no attempt to help her. “Dudley wants me to go to the White City with him on Thursday evening. I said I would.” “Thursday is the night I have to go and see Dr. Renshaw”; and Ethel glanced round with a shadow of vexation on her face. “I know it is, but you will not be very late.” She paused, then added, “I do not get so many treats that I can afford to miss one.” “Dudley could probably have gone any other night. Did you ask him?” Ethel spoke a little quickly, and Doris looked ready with a sharp retort, when Basil interposed. “Thursday will be all right, chum. Doris won’t leave before six and you will get in by half-past seven. I shall have nearly two whole hours in which to do any silly thing I like, without getting scolded”; and his smile was very winsome.