you'd heard half the stories I had of the things we have given away
quite innocently--"

"That's all right," the young man interrupted, "only you mustn't
think I'm a gas-bag just because I said a word or two here before
Gerry and Olive and you, old fellow."

"Must you go, Hugh?" Geraldine asked.

"I am so sorry," he replied, "but I must. I really have rather an
important appointment this afternoon."

"An appointment!" she grumbled. "You are in London for so short a
time and you seem to be keeping appointments all the while. I sha'n't
let you go unless you tell me what it's about."

"I have to inspect a new pattern of camp bedstead," he explained
calmly. "If I may, I will telephone directly I am free and see if you
are at liberty."

She shrugged her shoulders but gave him a pleasant little nod as he
stepped into the taxi.

"Sober old stick, Thomson," her brother observed, as they started
off. "I didn't like his pulling me up like that but I expect he was
right."

"I don't see what business it was of his and I think it was rather
horrid of him," Olive declared. "As though Gerry or I mattered!"