despondency. "Just now and then, you know. Have some cheese?"

"Don't mind--Gorgonzoler."

He paid the bill right bravely and added sixpence for the waiter,
though it cost him as great a pang as the wrenching of a double
tooth. A rapid calculation told him that he must dine at the
Aerated Bread Shop for several days to come. Whilst he was thus
computing Polly drew out her gold watch. It caught his eye, he stood
transfixed, and his stare rose from the watch to Polly's face.

"Just after eleven," she remarked airily, and began to hum.

Christopher had but a silver watch, an heirloom of considerable
antiquity, and the chain was jet. Sunk of a sudden in profoundest
gloom he led the way to the exit, walking like a shamefaced plebeian
who had got into the room by mistake. Polly's spirits were higher
than ever. Just beyond the electric glare she thrust her arm under
that of her mute companion.

"You don't want me to git run over, do you?"

Parish had a thrill of satisfaction, but with difficulty he spoke.

"Let's get out of this crowd--beastly, isn't it?"

"I don't mind a crowd. I like it when I've someone to hang on by."

"Oh, I don't mind it, I like just what you like. What time did you
say it was, Miss Sparkes?"