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In fact, they were at opposite ends of the same valley, in the midst of which, half-way between the two, our common village slept in the hot sun. It was in the course of my first walk that I had come upon Savavic. And now, instead of being at Poganec to welcome them this afternoon, here was I at Laipnik pretending to be a chauffeur. What did it matter? I should be back that evening.
And her being here, I suppose, seemed to save it from being what's called an 'impossible position. Well, a week ago comes a letter from the Brethes that's my uncle and aunt saying they're motoring through Austria to Italy, and are going to stay a night at Laipnik on the way. Would like to run over and see me, as they understand Savavic that's me is only thirty miles away. All very nice."
I took the cap to wear when we reached the town. Gloves, near enough. It was a big, open car, and all the way to Laipnik the girl, looking priceless in a fawn-coloured dress, sat by my side. We went like the wind. After a while: "He drives well," said my companion, half to herself. "Thank you, beautiful doll I should say madam. Is that right?" "Quite, thanks. How are the boots?" "A bit spacious.
I thought they were stars, And I know they were shining." "Thank you very much. I didn't know you were a poet." "Nor was I till I entered your service," said I. So presently we came to Laipnik. I stopped outside the little town, put on my cap, and settled the girl on the back seat. Five minutes later we rolled up to the hotel.
Consequently, I send a nice letter to the one hotel at Laipnik 'to await arrival, saying the road's so bad and hard to find that I'll come over to them instead of their coming here." "Much as you would have loved them to see Savavic." "Exactly. You're rather intelligent." "Oh, I'm often like that. It's in the blood. Grandpa got his B.A.," I explained.
I'm afraid I've lost one of my toes already." "You poor man. Which one?" "Baldwin," said I. "He's got separated from the others, you know. I'll be able to look for him when we get to Laipnik. Told them to keep together, too," I added bitterly. She gave a little peal of laughter. Then: "How tiresome" she said. "And I'm afraid your calves weren't made for those gaiters."
"We've loaned his hood to the Wallace Collection. Go on." "Well, that all sounds very nice and easy, doesn't it? Then, to put the lid on, my chauffeur breaks his arm yesterday afternoon." "And the uncle's due when?" "Slept at Laipnik last night. I was to have lunched with them to-day. Oh, the fat's in the fire all right this time. I may expect them any time after three." I reflected a moment.
Then: "I'll drive you to Laipnik," said I. "I'm as safe as a house at the wheel." "You're awfully good and kind," said the girl, shaking her head, "but it's no good. Think. How on earth would I explain you?" "It is unnecessary to explain a chauffeur." "Oh, but you can't " "Certainly I can. At any rate, I'm going to. Come along and get changed, mistress." I scrambled to my feet.
As I was letting in the clutch, I heard Jill's voice on my left. "Thank you very much indeed for helping us so beautifully," she said, and laid her posy of wild flowers on the seat by my side. "Thank you, madam." As we moved off: "What a queer child!" said Lady Brethe. Two hours later the girl and I slipped once more out of Laipnik.
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