e the other, and walk to the tram
by some unusual and circuitous route; they would have to play in a
clandestine and furtive manner, parting company before they got to the
club-house; disguises might be needful; there was a peck of difficulties
ahead. But he would have to go into these later; at present he must be
immersed in the rapture of his forgiveness.

"Most generous of you, Miss Elizabeth," he said. "As for that--well, I
won't allude to him again."

Miss Mapp gave a happy little laugh, and having made a further plan,
switched away from the subject of captains and insults with alacrity.

"Look!" she said. "I found these little rosebuds in flower still, though
it is the end of November. Such brave little darlings, aren't they? One
for your button-hole, Major Benjy? And then I must do my little
shoppings or Withers will scold me--Withers is so severe with me, keeps
me in such order! If you are going into the town, will you take me with
you? I will put on my hat."

Requests for the present were certainly commands, and two minutes later
they set forth. Luck, as usual, befriended ability, for there was Puffin
at his door, itching for the Major's return (else they would miss the
tram); and lo! there came stepping along Miss Mapp in her blue-trimmed
cloak, and the Major attired as for marriage--top-hat, frock-coat and
button-hole. She did not look at Puffin and cut him; she did not seem
(with the deceptiveness of appearances) to see him at all, so eager and
agreeable was her conversation with her companion. The Major, so Puffin
thought, attempted to give him some sort of dazed and hunted glance; but
he could not be certain even of that, so swiftly had it to be
transformed into a genial interest in what Miss Mapp was saying, and
Puffin stared open-mouthed after them, for they were terrible as an army
with banners. Then Diva, trundling swiftly out of the fish-shop, came,
as well she might, to a dead halt, observing this absolutely
inexplicable phenomenon.

"Good morning, Diva darling," said Miss Mapp. "Major Benjy and I are
doing our little shopping together. So kind of him, isn't it? and very
naughty of me to take up his time. I told him he ought to be playing
golf. Such a lovely day! Au reservoir, sweet! Oh, and there's the Padre,
Major Benjy! How quickly he walks! Yes, he sees us! And there's Mrs.
Poppit; everybody is enjoying the sunshine. What a beautiful fur coat,
though I should think she found it very heavy an