"Promise me you'll not cut it on the night."

I groaned.

"But- " I faltered.

"Promise."

"Oh, all right! But I shall hate it, Alice, hate- "

"A present for a good Hare," she said softly, and raised her lips
to mine.


On examination Pomfret proved to be practically unhurt, and I was
able to get some petrol in the village; but naturally I didn't
dare to drive him without seeing to the brakes. It was
impossible for my companion to wait while I rectified the
trouble, but we managed to raise what had once been a dog-cart,
and in that she left for Tendon Harrow. She left, I say, for she
would not let me come with her. She was so firm. I implored
her, but it was no good. She simply would not be entreated, and
I had to content myself with putting her carefully in and
watching her drive away in the care of a blushing half-boots,
half-ostler, who could not have been more than eighteen.

I got home about six.

"Where on earth have you been?" said Daphne, as I entered the
smoking-room.