“Then run,” was the laconic response; “don’t stop to buy a ticket; pay the other end.” She smiled, but grew suddenly serious. Leaning forward with eyes straining hard to the horizon, she said: “Flip, I’ve had a hard life, in spite of the success. Shall I run?... or... shall I stay, and snatch joy, while there is still time?” He looked at her with a growing interest. “If I were you I should run,” he said; “but, all the same, I think you’ll stay.” “No; I don’t think I shall. There are other reasons. He is a good deal younger than I—and—well, I’ve a fair amount on my soul already.” The tired shadow was coming back to her eyes, but she laughed suddenly with an attempt at gaiety. “You ought to have heard Hal Pritchard on the subject. She remarked there were plenty of London policemen just as big, and suggested if I wanted a fine young animal to play with, I should be safer with a polar bear from the Zoo.” “Well done, Hal. We ought to have brought her. Where is she today?” “Careering across England in a haphazard fashion with her cousin Dick Bruce. Do you mind turning towards home now? I’m dining out, and have some letters to write.” “Who’s the happy man tonight?... I thought of course I was to have the whole day.” “With a view to getting wholesomely bored! No, Flip, I don’t propose to let you find that way out just yet.” “I should have found it for myself long ago if it were possible. As it is, I have grown resigned, and accept what crumbs fall to my portion.” He paused a moment and then asked, “Is it Goliath tonight?” “It is.” “Rash woman; and just when I have advised you to run.” “But it is not in the least serious yet. I only asked you in view of it becoming so.” “Which means you will try and start to run, _after_ you are firmly in the trap.” “Not at all. I won’t go near the trap. I’ll tell him I’m old enough to be his mother, and talk down to him from years of detestable common sense and sagacity.” “Which sounds as if it would be even duller than dining with me.” “Oh no. It holds novelty anyway. You are never dull, but likewise you are no longer novel.” They made for the high roads again, and spun along mostly in silence until the car once more came to a standstill at Lorraine’s door. “Come in,” she said, “I’ve lots of time.” “No,” with a little smile. “I’ve had my crumbs for the day. I’m going to have a good solid crust now to keep the balance. Do you know Lottie Bird?… Fourteen stone, if she’s an ounce, and a tongue like a sixty-horse-power motor. There are times when she’s so damned practical and overpowering she does me good. This is one of them. Good-bye. Don’t kill the giant with a glance; and don’t be silly enough to get hurt yourself.” “All right. I’ll go in full armour,” and she nodded gaily enough as he moved off down the street. CHAPTER XI